The Basics
What is Metaproterenol?
Prevents and treats wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases.
Brand names for Metaproterenol
Alupent
How Metaproterenol is classified
Anti-Asthmatic Agents, Bronchodilator Agents, Beta Adrenergic Agonists
Metaproterenol During Pregnancy
Metaproterenol pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Metaproterenol while pregnant
Teratogenic Effects PREGNANCY CATEGORY C: Alupent (metaproterenol sulfate) has been shown to be teratogenic and embryotoxic in rabbits when given in doses corresponding to 640 times the maximum recommended dose. These effects included skeletal abnormalities, hydrocephalus and skull bone separation. Results of other studies in rabbits, rats or mice have not revealed any teratogenic, embryocidal or fetotoxic effects. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Alupent (metaproterenol sulfate) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Taking Metaproterenol While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Metaproterenol?
Although no published data exist on the use of metaproterenol by mouth or inhaler during lactation, data from the related drug, terbutaline, indicate that very little is expected to be excreted into breastmilk.[1] The authors of several reviews and an expert panel agree that use of inhaled bronchodilators is acceptable during breastfeeding because of the low bioavailability and maternal serum levels after use.[2][3][4][5][6]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Although no published data exist on the use of metaproterenol by mouth or inhaler during lactation, data from the related drug, terbutaline, indicate that very little is expected to be excreted into breastmilk.[1] The authors of several reviews and an expert panel agree that use of inhaled bronchodilators is acceptable during breastfeeding because of the low bioavailability and maternal serum levels after use.[2][3][4][5][6]
Possible effects of Metaproterenol on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Metaproterenol
Terbutaline.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Lindberg C, Boreus LO, de Chateau P et al. Transfer of terbutaline into breast milk. Eur J Resp Dis. 1984;65(suppl 134):87-91. PMID: 6586490
2. McDonald CF, Burdon JGW. Asthma in pregnancy and lactation. A position paper for the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand. Med J Aust. 1996;165:485-8. PMID: 8937369
3. Ellsworth A. Pharmacotherapy of asthma while breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1994;10:39-41. PMID: 7619245
4. Nelson-Piercy C. Asthma in pregnancy. Thorax. 2001;56:325-8. PMID: 11254828
5. Taddio A, Ito S. Drugs and breast-feeding. In: Koren G, ed. Maternal-fetal toxicology. A clinician’s guide. 3rd ed. New York: Marcel Dekker, 2001:177-32.
6. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Asthma and Pregnancy Working Group. NAEPP expert panel report. Managing asthma during pregnancy: recommendations for pharmacologic treatment-2004 update. 2004;1-57. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/lung/asthma/astpreg.htm
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
