From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Isoproterenol should be used with caution in patients with asymptomatic sinus bradycardia, as it may help differentiate those with inadequate chronotropic reserves who may require preventive pacemaker implantations, as shown in a study published in Europace in 2008 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Isoproterenol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic agonist medication primarily used in emergency situations to treat bradycardia, heart block, and occasionally bronchospasm.
- The typical adult dosage ranges from 2-10 mcg/min as an intravenous infusion, titrated according to heart rate response, as noted in various studies 1, 2, 3.
- For pediatric patients, the starting dose is usually 0.05-0.1 mcg/kg/min.
- Isoproterenol works by stimulating both beta-1 receptors in the heart (increasing heart rate and contractility) and beta-2 receptors in the lungs (causing bronchodilation).
- Important considerations when administering isoproterenol include continuous cardiac monitoring, blood pressure monitoring, and awareness of potential side effects such as tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypotension, and tremors.
- This medication should be used cautiously in patients with coronary artery disease, as it increases myocardial oxygen demand, as highlighted in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 1976 2.
- Isoproterenol has largely been replaced by more selective agents in many clinical scenarios but remains valuable in specific situations like temporary management of symptomatic bradycardia while awaiting pacemaker placement, as shown in a study published in the Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology in 2001 4.
Clinical Use and Side Effects
- Isoproterenol may be used to evaluate chronotropic reserve in patients with asymptomatic sinus bradycardia, as demonstrated in a study published in Europace in 2008 1.
- The medication has been compared to other bronchodilators, such as ipratropium bromide, in terms of its effectiveness and side effects, as noted in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 1976 2.
- Isoproterenol has been shown to have a more pronounced effect on antegrade slow pathway conduction compared to atropine, as highlighted in a study published in the Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology in 2001 4.
- The medication should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions, such as coronary artery disease, and should be monitored closely for potential side effects, as emphasized in various studies 1, 2, 3, 4.