Note: Patients may exhibit dose-dependent vasodilation due to unopposed beta2-agonism elicited by isoproterenol.
Bradycardia; increase cardiac output: Very limited data available: Continuous IV infusion: 0.05 to 1 mcg/kg/minute; titrate to effect (Castilla 2004; Eichenwald 2017; Matsubara 2008)
Note: Patients may exhibit dose-dependent vasodilation due to unopposed beta2-agonism elicited by isoproterenol.
Bradycardia, severe; AV nodal block: Limited data available: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Continuous IV infusion: 0.05 to 0.5 mcg/kg/minute; titrate to effect; doses as high as 2 mcg/kg/minute may be needed in some patients (Park 2014); usual adult range: 2 to 10 mcg/minute (AHA [Neumar 2010])
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
(For additional information see "Isoproterenol: Drug information")
Note: May cause dose-dependent vasodilation due to unopposed beta-2 agonism.
Bradycardia or atrioventricular block, symptomatic (unresponsive to atropine): Continuous infusion: IV: Usual dosage range: 1 to 20 mcg/minute; titrate to clinical response (ACC/AHA/HRS [Kusumoto 2019]).
Cardiogenic shock due to bradycardia (off-label use): Continuous infusion: IV: 2 to 20 mcg/minute (AHA [van Diepen 2017]).
Provocation during tilt table testing, diagnostic agent for syncope (off-label use): Note: Timing of initiation and dose adjustment during test may be institution specific; refer to institutional protocols.
Continuous infusion: IV: Initial: 1 mcg/minute; increase as necessary based on clinical response up to 3 mcg/minute (Brignole 2004; ESC [Brignole 2018]).
Torsade de pointes, refractory (off-label use): Continuous infusion: IV: Usual dosage range: 2 to 10 mcg/minute; titrate to clinical response (AHA [Neumar 2010]; AHA/ACC/HRS [Al-Khatib 2018]).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Solution, Injection, as hydrochloride:
Isuprel: 0.2 mg/mL (1 mL [DSC], 5 mL [DSC]) [contains disodium edta]
Generic: 0.2 mg/mL (1 mL, 5 mL)
Solution, Injection, as hydrochloride [preservative free]:
Generic: 0.2 mg/mL (1 mL, 5 mL)
Yes
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution, Injection, as hydrochloride:
Generic: 0.2 mg/mL (1 mL, 5 mL)
Parenteral: Administer by continuous IV infusion; requires the use of an infusion pump
IV: IV infusion administration requires the use of an infusion pump.
IV infusion: 20 mcg/mL
Store undiluted solution at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Excursions for vials are permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Solution should not be used if a color or precipitate is present. Protect from light; keep in opaque container until used. Exposure to air, light, or increased temperature may cause a pink to brownish pink color to develop. Solutions should not be used if they are discolored or contain a precipitate. Stability of parenteral admixture in NS or D5W at room temperature (25°C [77°F]) or at refrigeration (4°C [39°F]) is 24 hours.
Mild or transient episodes of heart block that do not require electric shock or pacemaker therapy; serious episodes of heart block and Adams-Stokes attacks (except when caused by ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation); cardiac arrest until electric shock or pacemaker therapy is available; bronchospasm during anesthesia; adjunct to fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy and other drugs and procedures in the treatment of hypovolemic or septic shock and low cardiac output states (eg, decompensated heart failure, cardiogenic shock) (All indications: FDA approved in adults)
Note: The use of isoproterenol in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) has largely been supplanted by the use of other adrenergic agents (eg, epinephrine and dopamine). The use of isoproterenol for bronchospasm during anesthesia and cardiogenic, hypovolemic, or septic shock is no longer recommended.
Isuprel may be confused with Disophrol, Isordil
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) includes this medication among its list of drugs which have a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error.
The following adverse drug reactions are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
Postmarketing:
Cardiovascular: Adams-Stokes syndrome, angina pectoris, atrioventricular block (Barold 2015), bradycardia (Duong 2020), chest pain (Duong 2020), coronary artery vasospasm (Duong 2020), flushing, hypertension, hypotension (Suwa 2004), increased ST segment on ECG (Okuya 2021), palpitations, tachyarrhythmia, tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia (including non-sustained ventricular fibrillation) (Okuya 2021), ventricular premature contractions (Okuya 2021)
Dermatologic: Diaphoresis, pallor
Gastrointestinal: Nausea
Nervous system: Dizziness, headache, nervousness, tremor
Ophthalmic: Blurred vision (Duong 2020)
Respiratory: Dyspnea, pulmonary edema
Angina, preexisting ventricular arrhythmias, tachyarrhythmias; cardiac glycoside intoxication
Disease-related concerns:
• Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease (eg, coronary artery disease); may increase myocardial oxygen demand resulting in ischemia.
• Diabetes: Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus; may transiently increase blood glucose levels.
• Distributive shock: Avoid use in patients with distributive shock; may reduce systemic vascular resistance (SVR) further resulting in hemodynamic compromise.
• Hyperthyroidism: Use with caution in patients with hyperthyroidism; may induce thyroid storm in susceptible individuals.
Special populations:
• Older patients: Use with caution in older patients.
Dosage form specific issues:
• Sulfites: Contains sulfites; may cause allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Appropriate use: Use with extreme caution; not currently a treatment of choice. Excessive or prolonged use may result in decreased effectiveness.
Isoproterenol is not recommended for treatment of bronchospasm. In children with refractory asthma, continuous isoproterenol infusion was associated with myocardial necrosis, congestive heart failure, further clinical deterioration, and death in some cases. The risk of cardiac toxicity was observed to be increased by concomitant corticosteroids or methylxanthines, acidosis, or hypoxemia; monitor patients closely (vital signs, ECG, cardiac enzymes) with therapy.
Substrate of COMT
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the Lexicomp drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the Lexicomp drug interactions program
Atomoxetine: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Atomoxetine may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Beta-Blockers: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Isoproterenol. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: May enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Chlorpheniramine: May enhance the therapeutic effect of Isoproterenol. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cocaine (Topical): May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Management: Consider alternatives to use of this combination when possible. Monitor closely for substantially increased blood pressure or heart rate and for any evidence of myocardial ischemia with concurrent use. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
COMT Inhibitors: May increase the serum concentration of COMT Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy
DiphenhydrAMINE (Systemic): May enhance the therapeutic effect of Isoproterenol. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Doxofylline: Sympathomimetics may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Doxofylline. Risk C: Monitor therapy
EPINEPHrine (Systemic): Isoproterenol may enhance the therapeutic effect of EPINEPHrine (Systemic). Risk X: Avoid combination
Guanethidine: May enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Sympathomimetics. Guanethidine may enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Inhalational Anesthetics: May enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Isoproterenol. Risk X: Avoid combination
Kratom: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Sympathomimetics. Risk X: Avoid combination
Levothyroxine: May enhance the therapeutic effect of Isoproterenol. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Linezolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Management: Reduce initial doses of sympathomimetic agents, and closely monitor for enhanced pressor response, in patients receiving linezolid. Specific dose adjustment recommendations are not presently available. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: May enhance the therapeutic effect of Isoproterenol. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ozanimod: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Solriamfetol: Sympathomimetics may enhance the hypertensive effect of Solriamfetol. Sympathomimetics may enhance the tachycardic effect of Solriamfetol. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Sympathomimetics: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Tedizolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Tedizolid may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Theophylline Derivatives: Isoproterenol may decrease the serum concentration of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted by the manufacturer. Use of isoproterenol may interfere with uterine contractions at term (Mahon 1967).
Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, arterial blood gases, central venous pressure, ECG, urine output; in pediatric patients, daily cardiac enzymes
Stimulates beta1- and beta2-receptors resulting in relaxation of bronchial, GI, and uterine smooth muscle, increased heart rate and contractility, vasodilation of peripheral vasculature
Onset of action: IV: Immediate
Duration: IV: 10-15 minutes
Metabolism: Via conjugation in many tissues including hepatic and pulmonary
Half-life elimination: 2.5-5 minutes
Excretion: Urine (primarily as sulfate conjugates)
Solution (Isoproterenol HCl Injection)
0.2 mg/mL (per mL): $33.60 - $264.00
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