What is this medication?

METHACHOLINE (meth uh KOH leen) is a bronchoconstrictor. It is used for a breathing test. The test helps your doctor understand how your lungs work.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Provocholine

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• cigarette smoker
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• history of stroke
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• recently received a vaccination
• seizures
• stomach or intestine problems
• thyroid disease
• trouble passing urine
• an unusual or allergic reaction to methacholine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for inhalation using a nebulizer. Nebulizers make a liquid into an aerosol that you breathe in through your mouth or your mouth and nose and into your lungs. It is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• albuterol
• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, or irregular heart beat
• ipratropium
• salmeterol
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• theophylline
• tiotropium

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• cough
• feeling faint or lightheaded
• headache
• sore throat

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medicine is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.