Generic name: Metaproterenol Syrup [ met-a-proe-TER-e-nol ]
Brand name: Alupent
Drug class: Adrenergic bronchodilators

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 26, 2023.

Uses of Alupent:

• It is used to open the airways in lung diseases where spasm may cause breathing problems.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Alupent?

For all patients taking Alupent (metaproterenol syrup):

• If you have an allergy to metaproterenol or any other part of Alupent (metaproterenol syrup).
• If you are allergic to Alupent (metaproterenol syrup); any part of Alupent (metaproterenol syrup); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have a fast heartbeat.
• If you have a heartbeat that is not normal.

Children:

• If your child is younger than 6 years of age. Do not give Alupent (metaproterenol syrup) to a child younger than 6 years of age.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Alupent (metaproterenol syrup).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Alupent (metaproterenol syrup) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Alupent?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Alupent (metaproterenol syrup). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Call your doctor right away if your breathing problems get worse, if your rescue inhaler does not work as well, or if you need to use your rescue inhaler more often.
• Check blood pressure and heart rate as the doctor has told you.
• Do not use more than what your doctor told you to use. Do not use more often or longer than what you were told. Doing any of these things may raise the chance of very bad side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Alupent (metaproterenol syrup) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Alupent) best taken?

Use Alupent (metaproterenol syrup) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with Alupent (metaproterenol syrup). If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure Alupent (metaproterenol syrup).

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Related/similar drugs

Dupixent, albuterol, azithromycin, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, Symbicort, ipratropium, Breo Ellipta, Ventolin, Ventolin HFA

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• A fast heartbeat.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Shakiness.

What are some other side effects of Alupent?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling nervous and excitable.
• Headache.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Alupent?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Alupent (metaproterenol syrup), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer