Home Drug Guide Isoetharine Hydrochloride

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Isoetharine Hydrochloride

Brand Names Bronkosol, Beta-2, Isoetharine Hydrochloride S/f

Classification

Therapeutic: Bronchodilator

Pharmacological: Beta-2 adrenergic agonist

FDA Approved Indications

  • Relief of bronchospasm in patients with reversible airway obstruction

Mechanism of Action

Isoetharine Hydrochloride stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, leading to relaxation of bronchial muscles and bronchodilation.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 0.5 mL of 0.5% solution nebulized every 2–4 hours as needed.

Pediatric: Doses are similar to adult, but should be based on clinician judgment; usually 0.25–0.5 mL of 0.5% solution nebulized, titrated based on response.

Geriatric: Adjust doses cautiously, considering comorbidities and overall health.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dose adjustments established.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific data; use cautiously.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapid absorption when nebulized.

Distribution: Limited data; primarily systemic circulation post-inhalation.

Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Excreted mainly in urine.

Half Life: Approximately 3–4 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to isoetharine or other adrenergic agents.

Precautions

  • Use cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, or hyperthyroidism; avoid overuse due to possible cardiac effects.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Tremors (Common)
  • Headache (Common)
  • Increased heart rate (Common)
  • Palpitations (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Cardiac arrhythmias (Serious)
  • Hypertension (Serious)
  • Hypokalemia (Serious)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Other sympathomimetic drugs, MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor respiratory status, lung auscultation, vital signs, and cardiac rhythm.

Diagnoses:

  • Impaired gas exchange
  • Ineffective airway clearance

Implementation: Administer via nebulizer as prescribed, monitor for side effects.

Evaluation: Assess improvement in lung function and reduction in bronchospasm symptoms.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct patient on proper use of nebulizer.
  • Advise to report chest pain, palpitations, or tremors.
  • Warn about possible side effects and when to seek medical attention.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None specifically for isoetharine, but overuse can cause significant cardiovascular effects.

Genetic Factors: No specific genetic considerations identified.

Lab Test Interference: None known.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe tachycardia, hypertension, arrhythmias, nervousness, tremors.

Treatment: Administer beta-blockers if necessary; provide supportive care, monitor cardiovascular status.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from light.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.