Home Drug Guide Isoproterenol Hydrochloride

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Isoproterenol Hydrochloride

Brand Names Isuprel, Aerolone, Vapo-iso, Norisodrine Aerotrol

Classification

Therapeutic: Bronchodilator, Cardiac stimulant

Pharmacological: Beta-adrenergic agonist

FDA Approved Indications

  • Severe bradycardia or heart block with shock
  • Bronchospasm in acute asthma or bronchitis

Mechanism of Action

Isoproterenol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic agonist that stimulates both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors, leading to increased cardiac output and bronchodilation.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: 2-10 mcg/min IV infusion, titrated to response; inhalation dosing varies

Pediatric: 0.01-0.1 mcg/kg/min IV infusion, titrated as needed

Geriatric: Use with caution; start at lower doses due to increased sensitivity

Renal Impairment: Adjust doses cautiously; no specific guidelines, monitor closely

Hepatic Impairment: No specific dosage adjustments identified

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Administered parenterally; rapid onset

Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues

Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver by conjugation

Excretion: Renally excreted as metabolites

Half Life: 2-10 minutes (IV infusion)

Contraindications

  • Tachyarrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with ischemic heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes; may induce arrhythmias or angina

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Tachycardia (Common)
  • Palpitations (Common)
  • Nausea (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation (Serious)
  • Myocardial ischemia (Serious)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Beta-blockers decrease effectiveness, increase risk of adverse effects

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor cardiovascular status, blood pressure, EKG, and respiratory status during administration

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for cardiac arrhythmias
  • Ineffective tissue perfusion

Implementation: Administer IV infusion with infusion pump, monitor continuously, adjust dose as needed, inhalation routes for bronchospasm

Evaluation: Assess for improvements in cardiac output and respiratory status, monitor for adverse effects

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Follow prescription instructions carefully
  • Report chest pain, palpitations, or unusual symptoms immediately
  • Use as directed for inhalation for asthma or bronchospasm

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Use with caution due to risk of cardiovascular effects

Genetic Factors: None identified

Lab Test Interference: May alter serum glucose and potassium levels

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension, chest pain, possible myocardial infarction

Treatment: Discontinue drug, provide supportive care, administer beta-blockers if appropriate, and manage arrhythmias as needed

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, protected from light and moisture

Stability: Stable for typical pharmacy storage durations

🛡️ 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.