Alupent

Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this medication if you have an irregular, rapid heart rate.

Special warnings about Alupent

When taking Alupent, you should not use other inhaled medications (called sympathomimetics) before checking with your doctor. Only your doctor can determine the sufficient amount of time between inhaled medications.

A single dose of nebulized Alupent used to treat an acute attack of asthma may temporarily relieve symptoms but not completely stop the attack.

Consult your doctor before using this medication if you have a heart condition, a convulsive disorder such as epilepsy, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes mellitus. Alupent can cause significant changes in blood pressure.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Alupent

If Alupent is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Alupent with the following:

• MAO inhibitors (antidepressant drugs such as phenelzine sulfate and tranylcypromine sulfate)
• Bronchodilators such as albuterol sulfate inhalers
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline hydrochloride and imipramine hydrochloride

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Alupent during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known whether Alupent appears in breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop nursing your baby until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage for Alupent

ADULTS

Inhalation Aerosol

The usual single dose is 2 to 3 inhalations. Inhalation should usually not be repeated more often than about every 3 to 4 hours. Total dosage per day should not exceed 12 inhalations.

Inhalation Solution 5%

Treatment usually need not be repeated more often than every 4 hours to relieve acute attacks of bronchospasm.