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metaproterenol

Generic Alupent
Used for Asthma, COPD
Used for Asthma, COPD

Metaproterenol is used to control asthma, and difficulty breathing caused by bronchospasms (lung spasms) from bronchitis and emphysema. All forms of this medication have been discontinued and are no longer available in the United States.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 14, 2022
BasicsFAQsAlternativesLatest newsPricesMedicare
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What is Metaproterenol?

What is Metaproterenol used for?

  • Asthma

  • Bronchospasms (lung spasms) from bronchitis and emphysema

How Metaproterenol works

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAlupent (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassSABA
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityDiscontinued
faqs

Frequently asked questions about Metaproterenol

What is metaproterenol?
Metaproterenol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA). This class of medications relaxes and opens up your lungs, making it easier to breathe. It's used to treat asthma and lung spasms due to bronchitis and emphysema.
Is metaproterenol still available?
No, metaproterenol has been discontinued by the manufacturer. At one time this medication was available as a tablet, oral liquid, inhalation solution, and inhaler. None of these forms (including brands and generics) are currently available in the United States.
Why was metaproterenol discontinued?
The inhaler version of metaproterenol was discontinued because the FDA made a ruling in 2010 to phase out inhalers containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs were previously used in inhalers to help spray the medication out so it could be breathed into the lungs. These substances are harmful to the environment, which is why they are no longer allowed to be used. It's unclear exactly why the other dosage forms of metaproterenol were discontinued.
What can I use instead of metaproterenol?
There are other similar medications to metaproterenol that can be used to treat asthma flare-ups and bronchospasms. Albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin) and levalbuterol (Xopenex) are both in the same medication class as metaproterenol. They come as inhalers, as well as inhalation solutions that are used with a nebulizer machine. Albuterol also comes in oral tablet and liquid forms, like metaproterenol. There are many different treatment options for asthma. Talk to your provider about the medication that's best for you.
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alternatives

What are alternatives to Metaproterenol?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Metaproterenol. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Metaproterenol
Used for:

  • Asthma

  • Bronchospasms (lung spasms) from bronchitis and emphysema

View Prices
Albuterol
Used for:

  • Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 4 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)

  • Prevention of exercise-induced asthma in people ages 4 years and older

$28.23 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)
Used for:

  • Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)

$58.16 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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