metaproterenol

Generic Alupent

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:

Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD

Daisy Chau, PharmD

Last reviewed on December 14, 2022

What is Metaproterenol?

What is Metaproterenol used for?

Asthma
Bronchospasms (lung spasms) from bronchitis and emphysema

Drug facts

Common Brands	Alupent(brand no longer available)
Drug Class	SABA
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Discontinued

Common Brands

Alupent(brand no longer available)

Drug Class

SABA

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Discontinued

Common questions about 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.

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.

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.

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.

Metaproterenol dosage

Typical dosage for Metaproterenol

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

$14.52Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)

Used for: