Metaproterenol tablets

What is this medicine?

METAPROTERENOL (met a proe TER e nole) is a bronchodilator. It helps open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe. This medicine is used to treat and to prevent bronchospasm.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take with food or milk. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blurred vision

• breathing problems

• dizziness, drowsiness

• fast, irregular heart rate, chest pain

• fever, chills

• high blood pressure

• skin rash, hives

• unusual swelling

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• anxious, nervous, tremor

• diarrhea

• headache

• increased sweating

• stomach upset, nausea

• trouble sleeping

• unusually weak or tired

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• procarbazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• medicines for asthma or other breathing problems

• medicines for colds

• medicines for depression like amitriptyline, desipramine

• medicines for irregular heart rate

• medicines for heart disease or blood pressure

• pimozide

• sertindole

• stimulants

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• diabetes

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• seizures

• thyroid disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to metaproterenol, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. Do not take extra doses. If your asthma gets worse while you are using this medicine, call your doctor right away.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without first checking with your doctor. Some nonprescription medicines may contain ingredients that could be dangerous with this medicine.