Sometimes, when you suddenly have difficulty breathing, when your chest feels tight, it can be a very uncomfortable experience, especially for someone with a condition like asthma. At times like this, your doctor may prescribe a syrup for you or your child. Today, we are talking about a medicine called Metaproterenol syrup, which is used at such times and makes breathing easier. This is to make you understand this exactly.
What is this Metaproterenol?
Simply put, Metaproterenol is a bronchodilator . This means that this medicine works by widening (opening up) the narrowed and constricted airways in our lungs. Just like widening a road that is clogged with traffic makes it easier for vehicles to pass through, when the airways are widened by this medicine, air can enter and exit the lungs without any obstruction.
It is mainly used to treat and prevent bronchospasm , which is breathing difficulty caused by narrowing of the airways.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes Metaproterenol syrup for you, it is very important to give him a complete description of your medical condition. This medicine may not be compatible with some medical conditions. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell him.
- Diabetes Mellitus: This means high blood sugar levels.
- Heart disease: If you have any type of heart disease.
- High blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure.
- Heartbeat irregularities: If there is a change in the speed or rhythm of the heart beat.
- Thyroid disease: Problems with thyroid hormone levels.
- Seizures: A medical condition characterized by seizures.
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor that occurs in the adrenal gland.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Metaproterenol, sulfites, or any other medicine, food, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a nursing mother: If you are breastfeeding your baby.
Talking to the doctor without hiding this information is very important for your safety.
How should I use the medicine?
Be aware of these points when using this medicine.
1. Correct dosage: Take the dose exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the instructions on the medicine bottle label.
2. Measuring the dose: Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure the medicine. Do not measure with teaspoons or tablespoons that you find in your kitchen. They are not accurate. If you do, you may get an under or over dose.
3. For stomach upset: If you experience stomach upset or heartburn after taking this medicine, take the medicine with a meal or with a little milk.
4. The prescribed number of times: Do not take more medicine than the doctor tells you to. Taking more because you think "I'm still having trouble breathing" can cause dangerous side effects.
When given to small children
This medicine is used for children over 6 years of age. However, when giving this medicine to your child, you should talk to your doctor about it and follow his instructions exactly.
Overdose
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share this medicine with anyone else.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications can cause problems when taken with Metaproterenol. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including those from other doctors, those you buy from the pharmacy, traditional medicines, and even vitamins).
| Possible drug interactions with Metaproterenol | |
|---|---|
| Never take this medicine with: | |
| MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors) | These are a type of medication given for depression (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan). |
| Procarbazine | A medicine for cancer. |
| Because this medicine can cause problems, tell your doctor : | |
| Medicines for asthma or other respiratory diseases | Other inhalers or syrups. |
| Medicine for colds | Some cough syrups and ointments from the pharmacy. |
| Medication for depression | Ex: amitriptyline, desipramine. |
| Medications for heart disease or blood pressure | Medicines given for heart rhythm or blood pressure. |
| Stimulants | Certain medications that stimulate the body. |
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Metaproterenol can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, some are not so serious.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face. |
| Changes in heart rate | Chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling faint. |
| Other serious symptoms | Blurred vision, chills, fever, high blood pressure, muscle twitching or pain, unusual swelling, vomiting. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Tremors |
| Nausea | Insomnia |
| Stomach ache, bloating | Feeling unusually tired |
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep away from children: This is very important. Keep the medicine bottle out of the reach of children.
- Room temperature: Store at normal room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat or cold.
- Protect from light: Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
- After expiration: Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date on the bottle. Do not use it.
Take-Home Message
- Metaproterenol is a medication that should only be used on the advice of a doctor.
- Take the prescribed dose, exactly as prescribed. Do not measure medicine with household spoons.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience rapid heartbeat, chest pain, severe dizziness, or severe allergic symptoms.
- If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor. Do not take more medicine than you should.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 Fosinopril (Fosinopril / Monopril) tablets are used for what disease?
This is a highly effective (ACE Inhibitor) drug that is given to control 'High Blood Pressure' and to help patients with heart failure who have had a heart attack! The specialty of this is that although it works like other ACE pills, it is excreted by both the kidneys and the liver (Dual excretion pathways), so it is very safe for those with kidney problems.
💬 How does taking this blood pressure pill (Fosinopril) reduce blood pressure and heart strain?
The dangerous chemical called 'Angiotensin II' narrows/tightens all the blood vessels in our body and raises the pressure! It is made by a machine called 'ACE' (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme). When this pill enters the body, that ACE machine is blocked/closed and locked 100%. Since that dangerous chemical is no longer produced, the blood vessels widen/relax (Vasodilation), the pressure immediately drops and the burden on the heart decreases.
💬 What are the annoying and deadly dangers (Black Box Warning) of taking this blood pressure pill (ACE Inhibitor)?
The biggest danger is that, like other blood pressure pills, this is strictly prohibited for pregnant women (Pregnancy/Fetal toxicity)! This can cause the baby's kidneys to rot and die. The other most annoying and common side effect is a 'dry persistent cough' without mucus. There is also a risk of some people's lips, face and throat suddenly swelling and suffocating (Angioedema).
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