Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

ISOPROTERENOL - SUBLINGUAL TABLET

(EYE-so-pro-TAIR-en-ohl)

Uses

This drug relaxes the smooth muscle in the lungs and opens airways to improve breathing. It is used to treat asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

How To Use

The sublingual tablets are meant to be dissolved and absorbed under the tongue. Do not chew or swallow them. Do not swallow saliva until all of the tablet has been absorbed. Do not repeat the dose more often than every 3 or 4 hours nor take more than 3 doses daily (or as directed by your doctor). Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not take it more frequently without your doctor's approval. Excessive use may result in decreased efficacy and increased side effects.

Side Effects

Dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, heartburn, loss of appetite, altered taste sensation, restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, trembling or sweating may occur but should subside as your body adjust to the medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience any of these serious side effects: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before you use isoproterenol sublingual tablets, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or if you have: heart disease, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid gland, epilepsy (seizures), diabetes. Isoproterenol affects the way your body responds to certain drugs. Before you take isoproterenol, tell your doctor if you take any other asthma or cold medications. Before taking isoproterenol, tell your doctor if you have had a bad reaction to bitolterol, ephedrine, epinephrine, isoetharine, albuterol, metaproterenol, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, or terbutaline. Many nonprescription products contain these drugs (e.g., diet pills and medication for colds and asthma), so check the labels carefully. Do not take any of these medications without consulting your doctor (even if you never had a problem taking them before).

Drug Interactions

Before you take isoproterenol, tell your doctor if you are taking, beta-blockers (atenolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, pindolol, propranolol, and timolol), medication for depression, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) and of all other drugs you may use, both prescription and nonprescription. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include headache, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, fast heart rate, and nervousness.

Notes

Do not allow anyone else to take this medication. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after taking this medication, call your doctor immediately.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).