Intravenous isoproterenol: Rationale for bronchial asthma

A perspective on systemic corticosteroid therapy in severe bronchial asthma in adults

“…[11][12][13] Since 1980, with the emphasis on prevention and control of asthma, under the guidelines outlined in the Global Initiative on Asthma and the National Institutes of Health National Asthma, Education and Prevention Program resulted in a marked reduction in the prevalence of CDA. These specific guidelines that have improved asthma management include the wide spread use of inhaled CS and combination inhaled CS and long-acting ␤-agonist therapy.…”

Isoproterenol continuous inhalation therapy in an infant with severe bronchiolitis lifesaving therapy

“…The potent bronchodilator effect of isoproterenol was shown in the guinea pig in 1957, 2 and its effect as a drip infusion in status asthmaticus was first reported by Wood et al 3 and other reports on its effect soon followed. [4][5][6] Iikura et al reported that instead of drip infusion, the continuous inhalation of L-isoproterenol was not only effective, but also safe for the treatment of severe asthma, giving a rapidly improved respiratory condition and decreasing the heart rate without damage to the cardiac muscle. 1 At present, therapy for bronchiolitis is limited to fluids and oxygen and in severe cases mechanical ventilation is required.…”

Beta-Adrenergic Agonists

“…Intravenous administration of isoproterenol has been used for life-threatening asthma. 22 Major complications of its use are tachyarrhythmias and myocardial necrosis. 23 When used in children, the intravenous dose is 0.8 µg/kg/minute.…”

“…Experience in this country lies mainly with intravenous isoproterenol. 56 Isoproterenol is a potent cardiac stimulant, and it is often used as a treatment of shock and bradycardia. Major complications of its use are tachyarrhythmias and myocardial necrosis.…”