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?

This medicine is for inhalation through the mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• blurred vision

• breathing problems

• chest pain

• dizziness, drowsiness

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• fever or chills

• high blood pressure

• muscle cramps

• 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 or nervous

• cough

• headache

• increased sweating

• stomach upset, nausea

• throat irritation

• tremor

• trouble sleeping

• unusual taste

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

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature of 59 to 77 degrees (15 to 25 degrees C). Protect from heat and humidity. The contents are under pressure and may burst when exposed to heat or flame. 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 start to get better or if they get worse.

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.

If your mouth gets dry try chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy. Drink water as directed.