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Orciprenaline

  • Children are able to take this medicine- follow the doctors instructions carefully.
  • Your doctor may take a blood test to check your potassium levels.
  • Do not take more than your doctor has prescribed for you.

About orciprenaline

Type of medicine Adrenoceptor agonist
Used for Relief of reversible airways obstruction (in asthma or bronchitis)
Also called Alupent
Available as Syrup

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.

Before taking orciprenaline

Before taking orciprenaline make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from heart problems.
  • If you suffer from diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar).
  • If you suffer from hyperthyroidism (a condition caused by too much thyroid hormone).
  • If you suffer from a condition called pheochromocytoma (a tumour which produces too much adrenaline).

How to take orciprenaline

  • Usually taken four times a day.
  • Children are able to take this medicine- follow the doctors instructions carefully.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your appointments with your doctor/nurse.
  • Your doctor may take a blood test to check your potassium levels.
  • Do not take more than your doctor has prescribed for you.

Can orciprenaline cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Dizziness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving or operating machinery.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Feeling or being sick Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods.
If you are sick, drink plenty of fluids.
Feeling of tightness of the chest See your doctor as soon as possible.
Worsening difficulty in breathing See your doctor as soon as possible.

How to store orciprenaline

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1436		 DocRef:
dils3115		 Last Updated:
8 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
7 Feb 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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