Isoproterenol
Isoproterenol is a potent non-selective beta-adrenergic agonist used primarily in cardiac care settings. It stimulates both beta-1 receptors in the heart to increase heart rate and cardiac output, and beta-2 receptors in the bronchi to produce bronchodilation. This medication is typically reserved for acute care situations requiring rapid cardiovascular or respiratory support.
A beta-adrenergic stimulant used for cardiac arrhythmias and bronchospasm in acute care settings.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01CA02
- RxNorm
- 6054
- Generic
- Isoproterenol
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- Isuprel
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 2-10 mcg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.05-0.5 mcg/kg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2-10 mcg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid if possible close to delivery due to potential uterine relaxation
fetal monitoring and uterine activity assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
use with caution or avoid due to unknown excretion in breast milk
monitor infant for adverse effects
pediatric_age
children under 12weight-based dosing required
use with extreme caution in children due to risk of tachyarrhythmias and bronchospasm
continuous cardiac and respiratory monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65start with lower dose
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to beta-adrenergic effects and higher risk of cardiovascular events
close monitoring of heart rate blood pressure and cardiac rhythm
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno major dose adjustment needed
use with caution and monitor renal function
monitor renal function and for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeconsider dose reduction
use with caution in severe renal impairment
monitor renal function and cardiac function closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse lower dose
use with caution as drug is extensively metabolized in liver
monitor cardiac function and liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severesignificant dose reduction
use with extreme caution in severe hepatic impairment
intensive cardiac monitoring and liver function assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Isoproterenol
Drug class
Pharmacological classification based on mechanism of action
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Management of symptomatic bradycardia and heart block when atropine and temporary pacing are ineffective or unavailable; bronchospasm during anesthesia; cardiac emergencies requiring increased heart rate or cardiac output.
Acts as a non-selective agonist at beta-adrenergic receptors with minimal alpha-receptor activity. Stimulation of cardiac beta-1 receptors increases heart rate and contractility, while beta-2 receptor activation in bronchial smooth muscle produces bronchodilation.
Requires continuous cardiac monitoring during administration. Use with caution in patients with coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes. May cause tachycardia, arrhythmias, or hypotension. Administered via IV infusion or subcutaneously; dosage is highly individualized based on clinical response.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy