General Information On Alupent
Alupent is a prescription drug used for treating bronchospasms that occur in patients suffering from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or asthma. The generic name of Alupent is Metaproterenol sulfate.
Alupent works by widening the airways and allowing for the proper flow of air into the lungs. It is available in tablet and syrup form and is administered orally. Alupent is also available in a solution form that is inhaled with the help of a nebulizer.
Alupent is typically used when an asthma attack has already surfaced, but you can also buy Alupent online or from a pharmacy to prevent future attacks if it has been prescribed by your doctor for this purpose.
Side effects of Alupent
Alupent has its share of side effects. However, not all patients using Alupent experience side effects; in fact, most people cope well with the drug and do not suffer from any side effects. Even if the side effects occur, they are mostly minor and can be treated with other medicines.
The most common side effects of Alupent include:
- Mild headache
- Sore throat, dry mouth
- Constant coughing or vomiting
- Worsening of asthma
- Dry mouth
- Sudden increase in heart rate
The serious side effects of Alupent are rare and require immediate medical intervention if they surface during treatment. These include:
- Irregular heartbeat or drastic increase in heartbeat
- Allergic reactions such as itching, hives, swelling, rashes and difficulty swallowing
- High blood pressure
Although there is no concrete evidence that suggests Alupent causes potential harm to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and their unborn/nursing children, doctors would prescribe Alupent to such individuals only if its benefits outweigh the risks.
Dosage of Alupent
Doctors determine the dosage of Alupent after carefully assessing a patient’s condition and considering various factors such as the severity of the breathing problem and the other medications used by the patient. The standard prescribed Alupent dosage for preventing an asthma attack is 2 to 3 sprays (as recommended by doctor) a day within a gap of 3-4 hours. The maximum dose should not exceed 12 inhalations a day.
To get the best results during Alupent treatment, it is important that you strictly adhere to the dosage instructions specified by your doctor. Do not alter the dosage unless the doctor has specifically advised you to do so. You must also shake the inhaler tube well before using the spray.
Interactions
Before you buy Alupent, inform your doctor about the other medications you are using. This is important because Alupent can potentially lead to severe drug interactions and other complications if taken along with certain drugs. Such interactions may not only reduce the effectiveness of Alupent or other medications, but also make the patient vulnerable to serious side effects such as a heart attack.
Alupent may potentially interact with beta blockers, diuretics, and tricyclic antidepressants such as:
- Bumetanide
- Furosemide
- Atenolol
- Nadolol
- Carvedilol
- Ethacrynic acid
- Protriptyline
- Imipramine
- Amoxapine
- Nortriptyline
- Protriptyline
