NORTH COAST EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES Policy # 5411

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Subject: Medical Direction

Metaproterenol Sulfate Protocol

Associated Policies: 02/08/98

  1. Class:
  1. Sympathomimetic bronchodilator.
  1. Therapeutic Effects:
  1. Relaxes smooth muscles of the bronchial tree and relaxes peripheral vasculature by stimulating á2- adrenergic receptors.
  2. Decreases reversible bronchospasm.
  1. Indications:
  1. Acute bronchial asthma.
  2. Bronchospasm associated with bronchitis and emphysema.
  1. Contraindications:
  1. Absolute: Hypersensitivity.
  2. Relative:
  1. Hypertension.
  2. Coronary artery disease.
  3. Congestive heart failure.
  4. Convulsive disorder.
  5. Hyperthyroidism.
  6. Diabetes.
  7. Pregnancy.
  1. Adverse Effects:
  1. Most frequent adverse effects include nervousness, tachycardia, tremors, and nausea.
  2. Less frequent effects include hypertension, palpitations, vomiting, and bad taste.
  1. Administration and Dosage:

Refer to dosage chart:

Dosage Chart

Patient Weight

Premixed Unit Dose Bottle

5% Solution

> 45 kg (100 lbs)

1 Bottle (2.5 ml)

0.3 cc in 2 cc normal saline

18 kg- 45 kg

1/2 Bottle (1.2 ml)

0.2 cc in 1-1.5 cc normal saline

<18 kg (40 lbs)

1/4 Bottle (0.6 ml)

0.1 cc in 0.5-1.0 cc normal saline

  1. Special Information:
  1. Medication doses can be modified only by Base Order.
  2. Treatments can be repeated as needed.