How does it work?

Orciprenaline sulphate is similar to a natural human hormone called adrenaline (epinephrine). It acts on many receptors in the body, however the lungs are its main site of action. Orciprenaline works by acting on receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. Stimulation of these receptors causes the muscles in the airways to relax, allowing the airways to open. In conditions where there is narrowing of the airways, such as asthma and bronchitis, it is difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. By opening the airways, orciprenaline makes it easier to breathe. As orciprenaline also acts on receptors elsewhere in the body, it may cause more side effects compared to some of the other airway-opening medicines. For this reason it is used fairly rarely.

What is it used for?

Asthma

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Warning!

Do not exceed the prescribed dose. If your prescribed dose is not providing the same effect as before, consult your doctor.

Blood potassium levels should be monitored in people with severe airway obstruction, as low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia) and various airway medicines, including this one, can lower blood potassium.

Use with caution in

Hyperthyroidism

Insufficiently controlled diabetes

People who have recently had a heart attack

Severe disease resulting from structural deformity of the heart or veins

Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

Not to be used in

Fast, abnormal heart rhythms (tachyarrhythmias)

Heart disease characterised by thickening of the internal heart muscle and a blockage inside the heart (hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy, particularly in the first and third trimesters, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Faster than normal heart beat (tachycardia)

Muscle cramps

Sweating

Weakness

Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

Pain in the muscles (myalgia)

Changes in blood pressure

Nervousness

Feeling of tightness in the chest

Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)

Headache

Awareness of your heart beat (heart palpitations)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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