isoproterenol hydrochloride


isoproterenol hydrochloride

Isuprel

Pharmacologic class: Sympathomimetic, beta1-adrenergic and beta2-adrenergic agonist

Therapeutic class: Vasopressor, bronchodilator, antiasthmatic

Pregnancy risk category C

Action

Acts on beta2-adrenergic receptors, causing relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle; acts on beta1-adrenergic receptors in heart, causing positive inotropic and chronotropic effects and increasing cardiac output. Also lowers peripheral vascular resistance in skeletal muscle and inhibits antigen-induced histamine release.

Availability

Injection: 20 mcg/ml, 200 mcg/ml

Indications and dosages

Shock

Adults and children: 0.5 to 5 mcg/minute by continuous I.V. infusion

Heart block; ventricular arrhythmias

Adults: Initially, 0.02 to 0.06 mg I.V., then 0.01 to 0.2 mg I.V. or 5 mcg/minute I.V. Or initially, 0.2 mg I.M., then 0.02 to 1 mg I.M., depending on response. Or initially, 0.2 mg subcutaneously, then 0.15 to 0.2 mg subcutaneously, depending on response.

Bronchospasm during anesthesia

Adults: 0.01 to 0.02 mg I.V., repeated when necessary

Contraindications

• Angina pectoris

• Angle-closure glaucoma

• Tachyarrhythmias

• Tachycardia or heart block caused by digitalis intoxication

• Ventricular arrhythmias that warrant inotropic therapy

• Labor, delivery, breastfeeding

Precautions

Use cautiously in:

• renal impairment, unstable vasomotor disorders, hypertension, coronary insufficiency, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism

• history of cerebrovascular accident or seizures

• elderly patients.

Administration

• Give each 0.02-mg I.V. dose by direct injection over 1 minute, or by I.V. infusion, as ordered. Always use continuous infusion pump to deliver infusion.

Adverse reactions

CNS: tremors, anxiety, insomnia, headache, dizziness, asthenia, nervousness

CV: palpitations, tachycardia, angina, rapid blood pressure changes, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, Stokes-Adams attacks

EENT: pharyngitis, visual blurring

GI: nausea, vomiting, heartburn

Metabolic: hyperglycemia

Respiratory: bronchitis, dyspnea, increased sputum, pulmonary edema, bronchospasm

Skin: diaphoresis

Other: parotid gland swelling (with prolonged use), pallor

Interactions

Drug-drug. Cyclopropane, epinephrine, halogenated general anesthetics: increased risk of arrhythmias

Propranolol, other beta-adrenergic blockers: antagonism of bronchodilating effects

Drug-diagnostic tests. Glucose: increased level

Patient monitoring

• During I.V. administration, monitor ECG and vital signs carefully.

• Assess patient's response to drug and adjust I.V. infusion rate accordingly.

• Closely monitor arterial blood gas values, urine output, and central venous pressure.

See Stay alert for rebound bronchospasm.

Patient teaching

• Assure patient that he'll be monitored closely.

isoproterenol hydrochloride

(ī′sō-prə-târ′ə-nŏl′ -nôl)n. A sympathomimetic drug that causes bronchodilation, used parenterally to treat asthma.

isoproterenol hydrochloride

(ī″sō-prō″tĕr′ĭ-nŏl″) A sympathomimetic amine used to relieve bronchoconstriction in asthma and also as a cardiac stimulant in heart block.

CAUTION!

Overdosage administered by inhalation can be fatal.