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, the drug can help to relieve the symptoms of respiratory problems by allowing more air into the lungs. Some people take Alupent only during an asthma attack, while others take it regularly to help prevent attacks. Some of the potential side effects of this medication include nervousness, headaches, and dizziness.

What Is Alupent?

Alupent is no longer available in the United States. The manufacturer of this medication decided to stop making it in order to comply with regulations concerning chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chemicals that may deplete the ozone layer. Alupent was rarely used anymore; had it been more popular, the manufacturer probably would have chosen to reformulate the drug without CFCs, instead of just discontinuing it.

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 it is used for, including possible off-label uses.)