What are the side effects of isoproterenol (Isuprel)?

Some [possible side effects](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=f80ce132-1570-43bf-b4a6-0ffbdea5d218&type=display) include nervousness, headache, dizziness, fast heart rate, change in blood pressure (high or low), shortness of breath, and flushing (reddening) of the skin.

isoproterenol

Q: What is isoproterenol (Isuprel) used for?

Isoproterenol (Isuprel) is used to treat severe, irregular, heart rhythm problems (e.g., [severely low heart rate](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000628#d1e3740), [heart block](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/heart/heart-block-pacemakers)). It's also used as part of [cardiac arrest](https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-arrest/about-cardiac-arrest) treatment. Additionally, this medication can be added onto fluid replacement therapy to help treat various conditions that result in severely low blood pressure (e.g., low blood volume, [septic shock](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/infections/what-is-sepsis), [heart failure](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/heart-failure)). Lastly, isoproterenol (Isuprel) may be used if you have difficulty breathing while under [general anesthesia](https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/anesthesia-101/types-of-anesthesia/general-anesthesia/) during surgery or a procedure.

Q: How does isoproterenol (Isuprel) work?

Isoproterenol (Isuprel) is a beta agonist. It works by [binding (attaching) to beta-1 and beta-2 receptors](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526042/#_article-23788_s3_) in your body. This causes a rise in heart rate and contractility (the strength of the heart to pump blood to the rest of your body). It also relaxes and opens up the blood vessels in your body and the airways in your lungs.

Q: How is isoproterenol (Isuprel) given?

Isoproterenol (Isuprel) is typically given to people in the hospital as an injection through the veins (intravenously or IV). It can also be given as an injection into the muscle, under the skin, or directly into the heart for certain types of irregular heart rhythms.

Q: How much isoproterenol (Isuprel) will I receive?

The [dose](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=f80ce132-1570-43bf-b4a6-0ffbdea5d218&type=display) of isoproterenol (Isuprel) varies from one person to another. This is because it's based on your medical condition and certain vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. Your provider will make sure you get the correct dose of isoproterenol (Isuprel) at the right time.

Generic Isuprel

Used for Heart Attack, Heart Failure

Isoproterenol (Isuprel) is an injectable medication used to raise your heart rate and blood pressure and treat several types of heart rhythm problems. It's also used to help keep the airways relaxed and open during anesthesia. This medication is typically given in the hospital by a trained healthcare provider.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on May 2, 2022

What is Isoproterenol (Isuprel)?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Isuprel
Drug Class	Beta agonist
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Isuprel

Drug Class

Beta agonist

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Isoproterenol

Isoproterenol is used to treat severe, irregular, heart rhythm problems (e.g., severely low heart rate, heart block). It's also used as part of cardiac arrest treatment. Additionally, this medication can be added onto fluid replacement therapy to help treat various conditions that result in severely low blood pressure (e.g., low blood volume, septic shock, heart failure). Lastly, Isoproterenol may be used if you have difficulty breathing while under general anesthesia during surgery or a procedure.

Isoproterenol is a beta agonist. It works by binding (attaching) to beta-1 and beta-2 receptors in your body. This causes a rise in heart rate and contractility (the strength of the heart to pump blood to the rest of your body). It also relaxes and opens up the blood vessels in your body and the airways in your lungs.

Isoproterenol is typically given to people in the hospital as an injection through the veins (intravenously or IV). It can also be given as an injection into the muscle, under the skin, or directly into the heart for certain types of irregular heart rhythms.

The dose of Isoproterenol varies from one person to another. This is because it's based on your medical condition and certain vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. Your provider will make sure you get the correct dose of Isoproterenol at the right time.

Some possible side effects include nervousness, headache, dizziness, fast heart rate, change in blood pressure (high or low), shortness of breath, and flushing (reddening) of the skin.