Metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel)

Category:

  • Respiratory

Description:

  • Antiasthmatic, bronchodilator

Indications:

  • Bronchial asthma

  • Reversible bronchospasm

Contraindications:

  • Preexisting cardiac dysrhythmias associated with tachycardia

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category C

  • Ischemic heart disease, cardiac dysrhythmias, hypertension, CHF

  • Hyperthyroidism, seizure disorders, diabetes mellitus, excessive use

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • CNS: anxiety, dizziness, headache, insomnia, nervousness, stimulation, tremors

  • CV: cardiac arrest, dysrhythmias, hypertension, palpitations, tachycardia

  • GI: bad taste, GI distress, nausea, vomiting

  • RESP: cough, dyspnea

  • MISC: throat irritation, muscle cramps in extremities, hypokalemia  

Dosage:

Administered orally (tablet, solution, aerosol)

  • Adult: 

    • PO 20mg 3-4 times daily

    • MDI 2-3 inhalations every 3-4 hours as needed

    • MEB 5-15 inhalations of undiluted 5% solution or 0.2-0.3ml of 5% solution diluted in 2.5-3ml normal saline every 4-6 hours (can be given more frequently if needed)

  • Child:  

    • PO (<2 years) 0.4 mg/kg/dose 3-4 times daily, in infants the dose can be given every 8-12 hours

    • PO (2-6 years) 1-2.6 mg/kg/day divided every 6-8 hours; (6-9 years) 10mg 3-4 times daily

    • NEB 0.01-0.12 ml/kg of 5% solution diluted in 2-3ml normal saline every 4-6 hours (may be given more frequently if needed)

 

 

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300 

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
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