About methacholine
Cholinergic bronchial challenge agent
Used for
- Inhaled during supervised testing to assess airway responsiveness and help diagnose asthma.
Usual adult dose
Given by inhalation in increasing doses during a monitored bronchial challenge test; not a treatment dose.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-supervised inhalation challenge may be used in children able to perform reliable lung-function testing; doses are protocol-based.
Common side effects
- Cough, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- Headache or throat irritation
- Rarely, severe bronchospasm or prolonged breathing difficulty
Important warnings
- For supervised diagnostic testing only; not for injection or routine asthma treatment.
- Testing requires lung-function monitoring and immediate access to rescue treatment.
- Avoid or use caution with significant airflow limitation, recent heart attack or stroke, or uncontrolled hypertension.
Pregnancy
Human safety data are limited. Use only when a clinician considers testing necessary.
Breastfeeding
Effects during breastfeeding are not well established; use only when clinically necessary.
Interactions
- Bronchodilators and other medicines affecting airway responsiveness can alter test results; clinicians may withhold them before testing.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.