Uses
Methacholine is used as a test to determine whether you may have asthma. It is a cholinergic drug that causes wheezing and shortness of breath.
How To Use
This medication is to be inhaled only with a special breathing device (nebulizer) under the direct supervision of a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. Do not take this medication by mouth or by injection.
This product must be diluted before being inhaled. Before using this product, check it visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Use a filter when putting this medication into the nebulizer.
Tell the health care professional if you develop any trouble breathing at any time during the test.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Side Effects
Headache, sore throat, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur:
- trouble breathing
- cough
- wheezing
- chest pain/tightness
- irregular heartbeat
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using methacholine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- other lung diseases (such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD)
- seizures
- heart disease
- thyroid disease
- trouble urinating (urinary obstruction)
- stomach ulcers
- seasonal allergies/"hay fever" (allergic rhinitis)
- history of being exposed to air pollutants
- recent/current flu
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Methacholine may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If you also use inhalers (such as albuterol, ipratropium) or take theophylline, you may need to stop these medications for some time before you use methacholine. Ask your doctor how long you should wait between your doses of these drugs.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fainting, loss of consciousness, chest pain, heart attack.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lung function test will be done before, during, and after using this product.
Missed Dose
Not applicable.
Storage
Before mixing, store the dry powder and mixing solution at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light. Once mixed, the solution is good for up to 14 days and may be refrigerated at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Some preparations must be mixed on the day of the test. Discard any unused portion of the vials. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
