Isoproterenol Brand Names
Isoproterenol is marketed under several brand names, most commonly as Isuprel in the United States, though it is frequently dispensed as generic isoproterenol hydrochloride injection. 1
Available Formulations
The FDA-approved formulation is isoproterenol hydrochloride injection, supplied as 0.2 mg per mL in single-dose vials for intravenous administration. 1
The drug is manufactured as a sterile, nonpyrogenic, preservative-free solution that must be protected from light and stored in opaque containers until use. 1
Isoproterenol hydrochloride is chemically described as 3,4-Dihydroxy-α-[(isopropylamino)methyl] benzyl alcohol hydrochloride, a racemic compound with molecular weight 247.72. 1
International Nomenclature
In many countries outside the United States, isoproterenol is referred to by its International Nonproprietary Name (INN): isoprenaline. 2, 3
The terms "isoproterenol" (USAN) and "isoprenaline" (INN) refer to the identical drug and are used interchangeably in medical literature and clinical practice. 2
Clinical Context
Isoproterenol is a non-selective β-adrenergic agonist used primarily as a second-line agent for symptomatic bradycardia after atropine failure, and in electrophysiology laboratories for diagnostic purposes at 1-20 mcg/min intravenously. 2
The extremely short elimination half-life of 2-5 minutes necessitates continuous infusion rather than bolus administration, which explains why it is only available as an injectable formulation. 4