Alupent

Alupent is a prescription drug that may be used to treat bronchospasms, which can occur in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By opening up the airways, Alupent can help to relieve the symptoms of respiratory problems by allowing more air into the lungs. Some of the potential side effects of Alupent include nervousness, headaches, and dizziness. Alupent comes in a metered-dose inhaler. Some people take Alupent only during an asthma attack, while others take it regularly to help prevent attacks.

 

What Is Alupent?

Alupent® (metaproterenol sulfate) is a prescription medication that is used to treat bronchospasms. While bronchospasms are most common in people with asthma, they can also occur in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
 
This article focuses on the Alupent inhaler. Alupent also comes in tablets, syrup, and a solution that is inhaled using a machine called a nebulizer.
 
(Click Alupent Uses for more information on what Alupent is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Alupent?

Alupent is made by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Alupent Work?

Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. However, during an asthma attack, the muscles around these airways tighten. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe. This is called a bronchospasm.
 
Alupent is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short. Beta agonists stimulate beta receptors in the body, including those on the muscles around the airways. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which opens up the airways and allows more air to get into and through the lungs.
 
Alupent also has some effects on decreasing the activity of mast cells in the lungs, which play an important role in inflammation and allergic reactions.
 
(Alupent Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;