Methacholine (By breathing)
Methacholine (meth-a-KOE-leen)
Used to help your doctor diagnose bronchial airway hyperreactivity or asthma.
Brand Name(s):
Provocholine
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to methacholine or similar medicines, if you are having an asthma attack or trouble breathing, or if you have a severe decrease in lung function.How to Use This Medicine:
Liquid Under Pressure
- A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It is given through oral inhalation using a dosimeter. Your doctor will also use a device, called a spirometer, to check for your lung function.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Some medicines can affect how methacholine works. Tell your doctor if you are using inhaled cromoglycate, theophylline, beta blockers, or oral or inhaled steroid medicines.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have chronic lung disease (including COPD, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, or cystic fibrosis), thyroid disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, aortic aneurysm, epilepsy, ulcer, urinary tract blockage, vagotonia, a respiratory infection, allergic rhinitis without asthma symptoms, or a history of heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you are exposed to air pollutants.
- This medicine may cause severe constriction of the bronchial airways.
- Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Severe cough, difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, tightness in the chest
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Mild cough, chest tightness, trouble with breathing
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 9/6/2024
