Isoetharine inhalation (patient information)

What is isoetharine inhalation?
Isoetharine is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Isoetharine inhalation is used to treat conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Isoetharine inhalation is not commercially available in the United States.

Isoetharine inhalation may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about isoetharine inhalation?
Isoetharine inhalation is not commercially available in the United States.

It is very important that you use your isoetharine inhaler or nebulizer properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with your inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler and nebulizer use.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Who should not use isoetharine inhalation?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have


 * heart disease or high blood pressure,
 * epilepsy or another seizure disorder,
 * diabetes,
 * an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or
 * any type of liver or kidney disease.

You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy with isoetharine inhalation if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Isoetharine inhalation is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether isoetharine inhalation will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether isoetharine passes into breast milk. Do not use isoetharine inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Isoetharine inhalation is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I use isoetharine inhalation?
Use isoetharine inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Use isoetharine inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

To use the inhaler:


 * Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully and place your lips around the mouthpiece. Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for several seconds, then exhale slowly.
 * If you take more than one dose at a time, wait for at least 1 full minute, then repeat the procedure.
 * Keep your inhaler clean and dry. Keep the mouthpiece capped to avoid getting dirt inside it. Clean your inhaler once a day by removing the canister and immersing the mouthpiece in warm water. Allow the parts to dry, then reassemble the inhaler.

To use the solution for nebulization:


 * Measure the correct amount of medication with the dropper provided or select the prescribed number of ampules. Transfer the liquid into the medication chamber of the nebulizer. If your medication has a dropper, do not allow the dropper to touch any surface including your hands or the chamber of the nebulizer. Dilute the medication with normal saline if prescribed by your doctor.
 * Attach the mouthpiece or face mask to the drug chamber. Then, attach the drug chamber to the compressor. Sit upright, in a comfortable position, and put the mouthpiece into your mouth or put the face mask on, covering the nose and mouth. Breathe slowly and evenly until all of the medicine has been inhaled (usually 5 to 15 minutes). The treatment is complete when no more mist is formed by the nebulizer and the drug chamber is empty.
 * Clean the nebulizer after a treatment as directed by the manufacturer.

If you also use a steroid inhaler, use your isoetharine inhaler or nebulization solution first to open up your airways, then use the steroid inhaler as directed.

It is very important that you use your isoetharine inhaler or nebulizer properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with your inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler and nebulizer use.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Carry your inhaler or nebulizer and solution with you at all times in case of emergencies. Get a refill before you run out of medicine and before going on vacation.

What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an isoetharine overdose include angina or chest pain, irregular heartbeats or a fluttering heart, seizures, tremor, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while using isoetharine inhalation?
Avoid situations that may trigger an asthma attack, such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur.

Isoetharine inhalation side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using isoetharine inhalation and seek emergency medical attention:


 * an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
 * chest pains or an irregular heart beat.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use isoetharine inhalation and talk to your doctor if you experience


 * headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or insomnia;
 * tremor or nervousness;
 * sweating;
 * nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or
 * dry mouth.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect isoetharine inhalation?
Before using isoetharine inhalation, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:


 * a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), propranolol (Inderal), and others;
 * a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
 * a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
 * another inhaled bronchodilator; or
 * caffeine, diet pills, or decongestants.

You may not be able to use isoetharine inhalation, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with isoetharine inhalation or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

 * Your pharmacist has additional information about isoetharine inhalation written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my inhaler look like?
Isoetharine inhalation is available with a prescription under the brand name Bronkometer. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.


 * Bronkometer 0.34 mg per inhalation--white-coated glass container with a white actuator
 * Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.