Isoproterenol
Also known as: Isuprel, Imuprel, Isolin, Lenoprel, Norisodrine Aerotrol, Proterenal, Saventrine, Vapo-iso
### Important Information for Pet Owners * **Emergency Use Only:** Isoproterenol is a potent, fast-acting emergency medication. It is **only** administered by trained veterinary professionals in a hospital setting where your pet's heart rate and blood pressure can be continuously monitored. * **Purpose:** It is typically used as a life-saving measure to treat dangerously slow heart rates (heart block) or, rarely, severe asthma crises. * **Rapid Action:** The drug works immediately but wears off within minutes once the IV drip is stopped. This allows the veterinarian to precisely control the effects. * **Side Effects:** Because it strongly stimulates the heart, it can cause a rapid heart rate, anxiety, or tremors. The veterinary team will monitor closely for these and adjust the dose instantly if needed.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Sinoatrial arrest, sinus bradycardia, complete AV block
- Short-term bronchodilatation
- Sinoatrial arrest, sinus bradycardia, complete AV block
- Sinoatrial arrest, sinus bradycardia, complete AV block
- Sinoatrial arrest, sinus bradycardia, complete AV block
- Sinoatrial arrest, sinus bradycardia, complete AV block
- Sinoatrial arrest, sinus bradycardia, complete AV block
- Adjunctive treatment for bradycardia associated with calcium channel blocker overdose
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Tachycardia
- Ventricular arrhythmias (highly arrhythmogenic)
- Anxiety and excitability
- Tremors
- Headache
- Weakness
- Vomiting
Cautions & contraindications
- Tachycardias or AV block caused by cardiac glycoside (digoxin) intoxication
- Ventricular arrhythmias that do not require increased inotropic activity
- > **Warning:** Isoproterenol is highly arrhythmogenic (more so than dopamine or dobutamine). Use with extreme caution. * **Disease States:** Use with caution in patients with coronary insufficiency, hyperthyroidism, renal disease, hypertension, or diabetes. * **Shock:** Isoproterenol is **not** a substitute for adequate fluid replacement in shock. * **Pregnancy:** FDA Category C. Animal studies show adverse fetal effects. Use cautiously as a last resort when benefits clearly outweigh risks. * **Lactation:** Rapidly deactivated in the gut, so it is unlikely to pose much risk to nursing offspring.
Drug interactions
- General Anesthetics (cyclopropane, halogenated hydrocarbons): Increased risk of developing arrhythmias. Propranolol may be administered should these occur.
- Beta-Blockers: May antagonize isoproterenol's cardiac, bronchodilating, and vasodilating effects. Can be used to treat isoproterenol-induced tachycardia, but use with caution in bronchospastic disease.
- Digoxin (Digitalis glycosides): Increased risk of arrhythmias.
- Oxytocic Agents: Hypertension may result if used concurrently.
- Other Sympathomimetic Agents (e.g., phenylpropanolamine): Should not be administered concurrently as increased toxicity may result.
- Theophylline: May increase the risk for theophylline toxicity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Isoproterenol used for in pets?
### Important Information for Pet Owners * **Emergency Use Only:** Isoproterenol is a potent, fast-acting emergency medication. It is **only** administered by trained veterinary professionals in a hospital setting where your pet's heart rate and blood pressure can be continuously monitored. * **Purpose:** It is typically used as a life-saving measure to treat dangerously slow heart rates (heart block) or, rarely, severe asthma crises. * **Rapid Action:** The drug works immediately but wears off within minutes once the IV drip is stopped. This allows the veterinarian to precisely control the effects. * **Side Effects:** Because it strongly stimulates the heart, it can cause a rapid heart rate, anxiety, or tremors. The veterinary team will monitor closely for these and adjust the dose instantly if needed.
Is Isoproterenol safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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