ISOPROTERENOL & PHENYLEPHRINE

Brand & Generic Names

Duo-Medihaler
Isuprel-Neo Mistometer

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Sympathomimetic, bronchodilator

Uses

• Temporary relief of congestion of nose, sinuses and throat caused by allergies, colds or sinusitis.
• Treatment for breathing difficulty from acute asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Aerosol inhaler--Don't inhale more than twice per dose. Follow package instructions.

When to take:
As needed, no more often than every 4 hours.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember. Wait 4 hours for next dose. Don't double this dose.

What drug does:
Dilates constricted bronchial tubes, improving air flow.
Stimulates heart muscle and dilates blood vessels.

Time lapse before drug works:
2 to 4 minutes.

Don't take with:
Non-prescription drugs for asthma, cough, cold, allergy, appetite suppressants, sleeping pills or drugs containing caffeine without consulting doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Headache, blood pressure rise, slow and forceful pulse, nervousness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, fainting, sweating, tremor, vomiting, chest pain, convulsions, coma.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose Section.

Common:

Chest pain; irregular, fast heartbeat; dry mouth.

Infrequent:

• Increased sweating.
• Nervousness, insomnia, dizziness, headache, shakiness, weakness, red or flushed face, vomiting, nausea, pale skin.

Rare:

Tingling hands or feet.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to any sympathomimetic, including some diet pills.
• You have serious heart-rhythm disorder.
• You have taken MAO inhibitors in past 2 weeks.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or take a digitalis preparation.
• If you have diabetes or overactive thyroid.
• If you have taken MAO inhibitors in past 2 weeks.
• If you are sensitive to sympathomimetics.
• If you use epinephrine.
• If your heartbeat is faster than 100 beats per minute.

Over age 60:
You may be more sensitive to drug's stimulant effects. Use with caution if you have hardening of the arteries.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Use only under close supervision.

Prolonged use:

• May cause functional dependence.
• Salivary glands may swell.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Use caution if you feel dizzy or nervous.

Discontinuing:
Discontinue if drug fails to provide relief after 2 or 3 days. Consult doctor.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Acebutolol	Decreased effect of both drugs.
Amphetamines*	Increased nervousness.
Antiasthmatics*	Nervous stimulation.
Antidepressants*	Increased effect of both drugs.
Antihypertensives*	Increased antihypertensive effect.
Beta-adrenergic	Decreased effect of both drugs.
Digitalis	Increased risk of serious heart
	disturbances.
Ephedrine	Increased ephedrine effect.
Epinephrine	Increased chance of serious heart
	disturbances.
Ergoloid mesylates	Blood vessel restriction.
Ergonovine	Increased vasoconstriction.
Ergotamine	Blood vessel restriction.
Furazolidine	Sudden, severe increase in blood
	pressure.
MAO inhibitors*	Dangerous blood pressure rise.
Maprotiline	Increased risk of serious heart
	disturbances.
Methyldopa	Decreased methyldopa effect.
Nitrates*	Possible decreased effect of both
	drugs.
Oxprenolol	Decreased effect of both drugs.
Sedatives*	Decreased sedative effect.
Sympathomimetics,	Increased effect of both drugs,
other*	especially harmful side effect.
Terazosin	Decreases effectiveness of
	terazosin.
Theophylline	Possible increased effect and
	toxicity of both drugs.
Tranquilizers*	Decreased tranquilizer effect.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Decreased isoproterenol effect.
Caffeine drinks.	Overstimulation. Avoid.
Cocaine:	High risk of heartbeat
	irregularities and high blood
	pressure. Overstimulation of brain.
	Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Increased antiasthmatic effect of
	isoproterenol.
Tobacco:	None expected.