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Metaproterenol (orciprenaline)

FDA-approved active ✓ Verified May 2026 Quality 30/100

Metaproterenol (generic name: orciprenaline) is a beta2-Adrenergic Agonist drug. It is currently FDA-approved (first approved 1973) for Acute exacerbation of asthma, Asthma, Asthma management.

Metaproterenol, also known as orciprenaline, is a small molecule that acts as a moderately selective β2 adrenergic receptor agonist. It is used in the treatment of asthma, a condition studied in various clinical trials, including those for bronchodilators and exercise capacity in bronchiectasis patients.

At a glance

Generic nameorciprenaline
Drug classbeta2-Adrenergic Agonist
TargetBeta-2 adrenergic receptor
Therapeutic areaRespiratory
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval1973

Approved indications

Common side effects

No common side effects on file.

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Metaproterenol

What is Metaproterenol?

Metaproterenol (orciprenaline) is a beta2-Adrenergic Agonist drug, indicated for Acute exacerbation of asthma, Asthma, Asthma management.

What is Metaproterenol used for?

Metaproterenol is indicated for Acute exacerbation of asthma, Asthma, Asthma management, Bronchitis, Bronchospasm Prevention.

What is the generic name of Metaproterenol?

orciprenaline is the generic (nonproprietary) name of Metaproterenol.

What drug class is Metaproterenol in?

Metaproterenol belongs to the beta2-Adrenergic Agonist class. See all beta2-Adrenergic Agonist drugs at /class/beta2-adrenergic-agonist.

When was Metaproterenol approved?

Metaproterenol was first approved on 1973.

What development phase is Metaproterenol in?

Metaproterenol is FDA-approved (marketed).

What does Metaproterenol target?

Metaproterenol targets Beta-2 adrenergic receptor and is a beta2-Adrenergic Agonist.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing