Important: This page is general information, not medical advice. It does not recommend or prescribe any treatment. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Quick facts
- How it is given
- intracardiac, intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous
- Type
- human prescription drug
- RxNorm ID
- 1667909
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
Isoproterenol hydrochloride injection is indicated: To improve hemodynamic status in patients in distributive shock and shock due to reduced cardiac output For bronchospasm occurring during anesthesia Isoproterenol hydrochloride injection is a beta-adrenergic agonist indicated: To improve hemodynamic status in patients in distributive shock and shock due to reduced cardiac output ( 1 ) For treatment of bronchospasm occurring during anesthesia ( 1 )
About this medicine
Isoproterenol hydrochloride, USP is 3,4-Dihydroxy-α-[(isopropylamino)methyl] benzyl alcohol hydrochloride, a synthetic sympathomimetic amine that is structurally related to epinephrine but acts almost exclusively on beta receptors. The molecular formula is C 11 H 17 NO 3 • HCl. It has a molecular weight of 247.72 and the following structural formula: Isoproterenol hydrochloride, USP is a racemic compound. Each milliliter of the sterile solution contains: Isoproterenol Hydrochloride, USP 0.2 mg Edetate Disodium (EDTA) 0.2 mg Sodium Chloride 7.0 mg Sodium Citrate, Dihydrate 2.07 mg Citric Acid, Anhydrous 2.5 mg Water for Injection 1.0 mL The pH is adjusted between 2.5 and 4.5 with hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. The sterile solution is nonpyrogenic and can be administered by the intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intracardiac routes. Structural Formula
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Isoproterenol is a potent nonselective beta-adrenergic agonist with very low affinity for alpha-adrenergic receptors.
Who should not take it
Isoproterenol hydrochloride injection is contraindicated in patients with: tachycardia ventricular arrhythmias angina pectoris Isoproterenol hydrochloride injection is contraindicated in patients with: Tachycardia ( 4 ) Ventricular arrhythmias ( 4 ) Angina pectoris ( 4 )
Warnings and cautions
Cardiac arrhythmias and ischemia may be induced by isoproterenol hydrochloride injection ( 5.1 ) Sulfite: Isoproterenol hydrochloride injection contains metabisulfite, which may cause allergic reaction ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Cardiac Arrhythmias and Ischemia Isoproterenol may induce cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia in patients, especially patients with coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathy. 5.2 Allergic Reactions associated with Sulfite Isoproterenol hydrochloride injection contains sodium metabisulfite, which may cause mild to severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis or asthmatic episodes, particularly in patients with a history of allergies. However, the presence of metabisulfite in this product should not preclude its use for treatment in emergency situations, even if the patient is sulfite-sensitive, as the alternatives to using isoproterenol in a life-threatening situation may not be satisfactory.
Reported side effects
The following adverse reactions have been associated with use of isoproterenol. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Nervous system disorders: Nervousness, headache, dizziness, visual blurring Cardiovascular: Tachycardia, tachyarrhythmias, palpitations, angina, ventricular arrhythmias, Adams-Stokes attacks, pulmonary edema Respiratory: Dyspnea Other: Flushing of the skin, sweating, mild tremors, pallor, nausea Common adverse reactions with isoproterenol include tachycardia and palpitations ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Nordic Pharma, Inc. at 1-844-267-4641 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
Interactions with other medicines
Table 1. Clinically Relevant Interactions with Isoproterenol Epinephrine Clinical Impact Both drugs are direct cardiac stimulants, and their combined effects may induce serious arrhythmias upon simultaneous administration. Intervention Isoproterenol hydrochloride injection and epinephrine should not be administered simultaneously. Drugs that may potentiate clinical response of Isoproterenol Clinical Impact The effects of isoproterenol may be potentiated by tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, levothyroxinesodium, and certain antihistamines, notably chlorpheniramine, tripelennamine, and diphenhydramine. Intervention Monitor hemodynamic parameters in patients who concurrently are taking tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, levothyroxine sodium and certain antihistamines. Adjust doses appropriately. Drugs that may reduce clinical response of Isoproterenol Clinical Impact The cardiostimulating and bronchodilating effects of isoproterenol are antagonized by beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, such as propranolol. Intervention Monitor for hemodynamic response and relief of bronchospasm and adjust dose appropriately. Do not administer isoproterenol hydrochloride injection and epinephrine simultaneously due to combined effects may induce serious arrhythmias ( 7 ) Concomitant use of tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, levothyroxine sodium and certain antihistamines; hemodynamic parameters may potentiate a clinical response of isoproterenol ( 7 ) Beta-adrenergic blocking drugs may reduce cardiostimulating and bronchodilating effects of isoproterenol ( 7 ) See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION.
Use in specific groups
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Prolonged experience with isoproterenol use in pregnant women over several decades, based on published literature, do not identify a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. However, there are risks to the mother and fetus associated with isoproterenol use during labor or delivery (see Clinical Considerations ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the United States general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Hypotension associated with shock is a medical emergency in pregnancy which can be fatal if left untreated. Delaying treatment in pregnant women with hypotension associated with shock may increase the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Life-sustaining therapy for the pregnant woman should not be withheld due to potential concerns regarding the effects of isoproterenol on the fetus. Labor and Delivery Isoproterenol usually inhibits spontaneous or oxytocin induced contractions of the pregnant human uterus and may delay the second stage of labor. Avoid isoproterenol during the second stage of labor. Avoid isoproterenol in obstetrics when maternal blood pressure exceeds 130/80 mmHg. Although isoproterenol may improve maternal hypotension associated with shock, it may result in uterine vasoconstriction, decreased uterine blood flow, uterine atony with hemorrhage, and fetal anoxia. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of isoproterenol in milk or the effects of isoproterenol on the breastfed infant or on milk production. However, due to its short half-life, isoproterenol exposure is expected to be very low in the breastfed infant. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and efficacy of isoproterenol in pediatric patients have not been established. […]
If too much is taken
Overdosage of isoproterenol can cause tachycardia or other arrhythmias, palpitations, angina, hypotension, or hypertension. In case of overdosage, reduce the rate of administration or discontinue isoproterenol hydrochloride injection until patient’s condition stabilizes. Monitor blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and EKG. It is not known whether isoproterenol hydrochloride is dialyzable.
Before you take anything new
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about every medicine you take — including ones bought without a prescription, herbal products and supplements. Interactions are one of the most common avoidable causes of harm from medicines, and a pharmacist can check your full list in a couple of minutes.
This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 27 June 2024. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.