Metaproterenol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 8, 2025.

Applies to metaproterenol: oral syrup, oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress or your child's progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for any unwanted effects.

Check with your doctor at once if you or your child continue to have breathing problems after using a dose of this medicine or if your condition gets worse.

Do not change your dose or stop using this medicine without asking your doctor first.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of metaproterenol

Along with its needed effects, metaproterenol may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking metaproterenol:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking metaproterenol:

Symptoms of overdose

• arm, back, or jaw pain
• chest discomfort
• chest tightness or heaviness
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• dry mouth
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• shortness of breath
• sleeplessness
• unable to sleep

Other side effects of metaproterenol

Some side effects of metaproterenol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to metaproterenol: compounding powder, inhalation aerosol, inhalation aerosol with adapter, inhalation solution, oral syrup, oral tablet.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Tachycardia (17.1%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Palpitations
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypertension, chest pain^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Tremor (16.9%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Spasms, chills^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness,
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syncope, clonus noted on flexing foot^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Nervousness (20.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chatty^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthma exacerbation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Coughing^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vomiting, dry mouth/throat, laryngeal changes^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Edema, sensory disturbances, weakness, pain, bad taste, feverish, flu symptoms, facial and finger puffiness^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus, diaphoresis, hives^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blurred vision^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Appetite changes^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Metaproterenol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer