Home Drug Guide Isoetharine Mesylate

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Isoetharine Mesylate

Brand Names Bronkometer

Classification

Therapeutic: Bronchodilator

Pharmacological: Beta-2 adrenergic agonist

FDA Approved Indications

  • Relief of bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema

Mechanism of Action

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

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Administer via inhalation, typically 0.5 mL of 2.25 mg/mL solution via nebulizer every 4 hours as needed.

Pediatric: Dosing is similar to adults; usually 0.5 mL via nebulizer every 4 hours as needed, but should be tailored based on age and weight.

Geriatric: Use with caution due to increased risk of cardiovascular side effects; monitor closely.

Renal Impairment: No specific adjustments; use with caution.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific adjustments; monitor for systemic effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapid absorption through inhalation route.

Distribution: Distributed mainly to the lungs, with some systemic distribution.

Metabolism: Metabolized minimally in the liver; primarily excreted unchanged.

Excretion: Excreted via the kidneys.

Half Life: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to isoetharine or adrenergic amines.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, or hyperthyroidism.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Tremor (Common)
  • Nervousness (Common)
  • Headache (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Cardiac arrhythmias (Rare)
  • Hypertension or hypotension (Rare)
  • Palpitations (Uncommon)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Concurrent use with other sympathomimetics may increase cardiovascular effects.
  • Beta-blockers may diminish bronchodilatory effects.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor respiratory status and lung sounds before and after administration. Watch for signs of systemic adrenergic effects.

Diagnoses:

  • Impaired gas exchange,

Implementation: Administer via nebulizer as prescribed. Evaluate effectiveness and adverse effects.

Evaluation: Improvement in airflow and reduction of bronchospasm.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Use medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Report chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or tremors.
  • Avoid other stimulants or sympathomimetics without consulting healthcare provider.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: Not specifically identified.

Lab Test Interference: May affect glucose and serum electrolytes due to systemic adrenergic effects.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe tachycardia, hypertension, arrhythmias, agitation.

Treatment: Discontinue drug, provide supportive care, administer beta-blockers if necessary under medical supervision.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature away from heat and light.

Stability: Stable until expiration date if stored properly.

🛡️ 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.