Orciprenaline
About
Orciprenaline belongs to the class of drugs called 'bronchodilators' used for treating symptoms of breathing problems like asthma and COPD. It helps in preventing symptoms like breath, coughing, or wheezing (whistling sound while breathing). Asthma is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. COPD is a group of lung diseases with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes).
Orciprenaline contains 'Orciprenaline' that works by relaxing muscles and widening the airways of the lungs. Thereby, it makes breathing easier by opening airways in a patient affected with asthma and COPD.
Take Orciprenaline as prescribed. Your doctor will recommend how often you take Orciprenaline based on your medical condition. Some people may experience headache, nervousness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, insomnia (difficulty in falling or staying asleep), diarrhoea, nausea, tremor, or drowsiness. Most of these side effects of Orciprenaline do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Orciprenaline or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If your breathing worsens or you often wake up at night with asthma, experience chest tightness in the morning, or last longer than usual, please consult a doctor immediately as these might be signs indicating that your asthma is not controlled properly and requires an alternate or additional treatment. Regular monitoring of potassium levels is recommended while taking Orciprenaline as it may cause low potassium levels in the blood. Orciprenaline is not recommended for children below 6 years of age. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Orciprenaline. Chest X-rays or regular lung function tests are recommended while taking Orciprenaline to monitor the effects of Orciprenaline on lungs. Do not take Orciprenaline if you have heart rhythm disorder that causes fast heartbeats. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood), fits, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), or heart problems, inform your doctor before taking Orciprenaline.
Uses of Orciprenaline
Medicinal Benefits
Orciprenaline is a bronchodilator used to treat symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Orciprenaline works by relaxing muscles and widening the airways of the lungs. Thereby, it makes breathing easier by opening airways. Orciprenaline helps to prevent an asthma attack and exercise freely if it is taken before exercise.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Orciprenaline
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Insomnia (difficulty in falling or staying asleep)
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Tremor
- Drowsiness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Orciprenaline or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If your breathing worsens or you often wake up at night with asthma, experience chest tightness in the morning, or last longer than usual, please consult a doctor immediately as these might be signs indicating that your asthma is not controlled properly and requires an alternate or additional treatment. Regular monitoring of potassium levels is recommended while taking Orciprenaline as it may cause low potassium levels in the blood. Orciprenaline is not recommended for children below 6 years of age. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Orciprenaline. Chest X-rays or regular lung function tests are recommended while taking Orciprenaline to monitor the effects of Orciprenaline on lungs. Do not take Orciprenaline if you have a heart rhythm disorder that causes fast heartbeats. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood), fits, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), or heart problems, inform your doctor before taking Orciprenaline.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Orciprenaline may interact with bronchodilators (albuterol), antidepressant (duloxetine), steroids (fluticasone), water pills (furosemide), anti-diabetic drug (pioglitazone, sitagliptin), decongestants (oxymetazoline), heart-related medicines (isoproterenol), antacid (famotidine), antipsychotics (quetiapine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Orciprenaline may interact with caffeine. Therefore, avoid or limit the intake of caffeinated beverages, foods or dietary supplements with Orciprenaline as it may increase the risk of adverse effects.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood), fits, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or heart problems, inform your doctor before taking Orciprenaline.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Orciprenaline with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Orciprenaline.
Pregnancy
cautionOrciprenaline is a Category C pregnancy drug and is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Orciprenaline is excreted in human milk. It is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks.
Driving
cautionOrciprenaline may cause dizziness, drowsiness, shakiness of legs and arms in some people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Orciprenaline.
Liver
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Orciprenaline in patients with Liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Orciprenaline in patients with Kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionOrciprenaline is not recommended for children below 6 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established. However, please consult a doctor before giving Orciprenaline to children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system.
- Avoid foods such as cabbage, beans, garlic, onions, shrimp, pickled food, dried fruits, fried foods, carbonated drinks, wine, bottled lemon, and lime juice as it may worsen asthma symptoms.
- Do meditation, deep breathing, regular exercise, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to get relief from stress and reduce the risk of an asthma attack.
- Quit smoking as it may reduce the effectiveness of the Orciprenaline and irritate the lungs worsening breathing problems.
- Learning breathing exercises will help you move more air in and out of your lungs.
Special Advise
- Chest X-rays or regular lung function tests are recommended while taking Orciprenaline to monitor the effects of Orciprenaline on lungs.
- Do not use Orciprenaline with painkillers as it may worsen symptoms.
- Avoid contact with persons having cold or “flu” symptoms, however, if you develop a cold, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
- The inhalation of tobacco smoke should be avoided.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: It is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. The symptoms of asthma include wheezing (whistling sound while breathing), shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough, especially at night. The symptoms of mild persistent asthma may occur more than 2 times in a week and up to 4 nights in a month whereas, in the case of severe persistent asthma, the symptoms occur several times every day and most nights. The treatment for asthma includes medication, breathing exercises, and self-care.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): It is a group of lung diseases with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes). The major cause of COPD is smoking tobacco. Also, long-term exposure to fumes and chemicals may lead to COPD. The symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing (whistle sound while breathing).
FAQs
Orciprenaline should be used with caution in hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood) patients as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have hypokalaemia before taking Orciprenaline so that the dose may be adjusted or an alternate medicine may be prescribed. However, if you experience symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness or twitching, please contact your doctor immediately.
Yes, Orciprenaline may cause dizziness. It is not necessary for everyone taking Orciprenaline to experience this side effect. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel dizzy or shakiness after taking Orciprenaline.
No, you are not recommended to take duloxetine with Orciprenaline as co-administration of these medicines may increase the risk of high blood pressure and fast heart rate. However, please consult a doctor before using other medicines with Orciprenaline and inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure or any heart diseases.
Orciprenaline should be used with caution in diabetic patients as it may increase the risk of changes in blood sugar levels. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have diabetes before taking Orciprenaline so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately or an alternate medicine may be prescribed. Also, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is recommended while taking Orciprenaline.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Orciprenaline without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Orciprenaline for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Orciprenaline, please consult your doctor.
