Isoetharine
Pronunciation: (eye-soe-ETH-uh-reen).
- Generic name
- Isoetharine
- Brand names
- Bronkometer, Bronkosol
- Drug class
- Short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (SABA); Bronchodilator
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What Isoetharine is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Isoetharine works
Isoetharine is a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist. It stimulates beta-2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, leading to activation of adenylate cyclase, increased cyclic AMP, and subsequent relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle. This results in bronchodilation and relief of bronchospasm. (2)
What Isoetharine is used for
Bronchospasm in asthma
Bronchospasm in asthma (2)
Bronchospasm in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Bronchospasm in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (2)
Bronchospasm in emphysema
Bronchospasm in emphysema (2)
Bronchospasm in bronchitis
Bronchospasm in bronchitis (2)
Before taking Isoetharine
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to isoetharine or formulation components, and those with tachyarrhythmias or severe cardiac disease. (Contraindication)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Isoetharine
- General Instructions: Use Isoetharine exactly as prescribed. Do not use more often than recommended.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult dose: 1–2 inhalations (340 mcg per inhalation) every 4 hours as needed. Maximum: 12 inhalations in 24 hours.. Pediatric Dosing: Children (over 4 years): 1 inhalation every 4 hours as needed. Always follow pediatric dosing guidance from your doctor.. Administration: Shake the inhaler well before use. Exhale fully, place the mouthpiece in your mouth, and inhale deeply while pressing down on the canister. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale slowly.. When To Stop: If you notice no improvement, worsening symptoms, or severe side effects, seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop use.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule — do not take an extra dose to make up for the one you missed.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, tremors, nervousness, and seizures. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if overdose is suspected. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Tremor
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nervousness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Palpitations
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Tachycardia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Paradoxical bronchospasm
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Isoetharine has been discontinued and is not commercially available in the United States — serious
Symptoms: Isoetharine has been discontinued and is not commercially available in the United States; this page is historical/reference information only. If you need a rescue inhaler, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist which product is currently available and appropriate for you.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Do not exceed the recommended dose — serious
Symptoms: Do not exceed the recommended dose. Use caution if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. May cause paradoxical bronchospasm (worsening breathing). Not for long-term asthma control. Contact your doctor if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to isoetharine or formulation components, and those with tachyarrhythmias or severe cardiac disease. Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and seizure disorders. Monitor for paradoxical bronchospasm and hypokalemia.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Isoetharine may interact with beta-blockers (which can reduce its effectiveness), other sympathomimetic agents, MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and certain diuretics. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Drugs.com consumer drug information lists isoetharine inhalation as FDA Pregnancy Category C — it is not known whether isoetharine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant, and note isoetharine is a discontinued/historical product not commercially available in the United States. (2)
Breastfeeding
It is not established whether isoetharine itself passes into breast milk. Inhaled beta-2 agonist bronchodilators as a class generally have low bioavailability and low maternal serum levels after inhaled use, but isoetharine is a discontinued/historical product; discuss any inhaled bronchodilator use while breastfeeding with your doctor. (2)
Children
Frequency: Every 4-6 hours as needed.. Weight Based: 0.1-0.15 mg/kg/dose via nebulization, not to exceed 5 mg per dose.. Max Daily Dose: 12 inhalations (1080 mcg) via MDI or nebulization not to exceed 20 mg per day.. Max Single Dose: 5 mg via nebulization.. Age Restrictions: Not recommended for pediatric use. (2)
Renal_impairment
No specific renal or hepatic dose-adjustment table for isoetharine was found in the sources reviewed for this page. Drugs.com consumer drug information advises caution in patients with a history of liver or kidney disease as a general precaution for this drug class, without a numeric dose-adjustment scale; this, combined with isoetharine being a discontinued/historical product, means any such use should be individually assessed by a clinician. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
No specific renal or hepatic dose-adjustment table for isoetharine was found in the sources reviewed for this page. Drugs.com consumer drug information advises caution in patients with a history of liver or kidney disease as a general precaution for this drug class, without a numeric dose-adjustment scale; this, combined with isoetharine being a discontinued/historical product, means any such use should be individually assessed by a clinician. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Specific manufacturer storage instructions for isoetharine inhalation solution/aerosol were not found in the sources reviewed for this page, and the product is discontinued and no longer commercially available in the United States. As a general class precaution for inhaled bronchodilator solutions, store away from heat and direct sunlight and keep out of reach of children; follow any product-specific instructions if a historical supply is used under clinician direction.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Bronchospasm in asthma
Dose summary: 2.5 mg to 5 mg via nebulization or 1-2 inhalations (340 mcg per inhalation) via metered-dose inhaler (MDI) as needed. Historical/reference dosing only — isoetharine is discontinued and not commercially available in the United States.
Renal context: No renal dose-adjustment table for isoetharine was found in the sources reviewed for this page (Drugs.com consumer drug information advises general caution in patients with kidney disease, without a numeric adjustment scale). Isoetharine is a discontinued, historical inhaled bronchodilator no longer commercially available in the United States. (2)
Hepatic guidance
No hepatic dose-adjustment table for isoetharine was found in the sources reviewed for this page. Drugs.com consumer drug information advises general caution in patients with liver disease, without a numeric adjustment scale; isoetharine is a discontinued, historical product.
Frequently asked questions
What is Isoetharine used for?
Isoetharine is used to relieve acute bronchospasm in conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
How quickly does Isoetharine work?
Isoetharine usually begins to work within minutes, providing rapid relief from wheezing and shortness of breath.
Can I use Isoetharine every day?
Isoetharine is intended for as-needed use to relieve sudden symptoms, not for daily long-term asthma control. Overuse can increase side effects and decrease effectiveness.
What should I do if my symptoms do not improve?
If you do not experience relief or your symptoms worsen, seek medical attention promptly. Do not increase your dose without consulting your doctor.
Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid?
Limit caffeine and avoid stimulants, as they may increase side effects like nervousness or palpitations.
Can Isoetharine be used in children?
Yes, Isoetharine can be used in children over 4 years old, but dosing should be determined by a healthcare provider.
Is Isoetharine safe during pregnancy?
Use during pregnancy should be discussed with your healthcare provider. The benefits and risks must be carefully considered.
What happens if I take too much Isoetharine?
Taking too much Isoetharine can lead to symptoms like increased heart rate, tremors, nervousness, and headache. In severe cases, it may cause chest pain or irregular heartbeats. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to self-treat the symptoms.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Isoetharine?
It is generally advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Isoetharine. Alcohol can exacerbate some of the side effects of bronchodilators, such as dizziness or tremors. Additionally, both alcohol and Isoetharine can affect the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to an increased risk of adverse cardiac events. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What is the mechanism of action of Isoetharine?
Isoetharine is a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist. It stimulates beta-2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, leading to activation of adenylate cyclase, increased cyclic AMP, and subsequent relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle. This results in bronchodilation and relief of bronchospasm. (2)
What is the generic name of Isoetharine?
The generic name is Isoetharine. It is sold under brand names including Bronkometer, Bronkosol.
What class of drug is Isoetharine?
Isoetharine is classed as: Short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (SABA); Bronchodilator.
References
- Isoetharine — MedGuideGlobal Medicine RecordMedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine record (internal database) · International (non-regulatory, clinician-authored) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Isoetharine Inhalation: Uses, Side Effects & WarningsDrugs.com (Cerner Multum/Micromedex data) · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Isoetharine names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.