Isuprel Side Effect: Dry Mouth

Isuprel is the brand name for the drug isoproterenol. Isoproterenol's use is in the treatment of bradycardia, which according to Wikipedia is a condition that involves the adult heart having a resting heart rate of 60 beats per minute or less. For infants, a patient with bradycardia would have a heart rate under 100 beats per minute. There are instances in adults when those that are trained athletes or very healthy, can posses a heart rate fewer than 60 beats per minute. The aerosol version of Isuprel is used, however rarely, to treat the symptoms of asthma.

In both situations, the drug reduces blockage of either the arteries in the heart or the airways of the lungs. Another new use for the drug is to reduce the appearance of fat in body. However, this is not its intended use. As one can easily see, Isuprel (isoproterenol) is a much-needed drug and can do much good to a person who is in distress from such heart and breathing disorders. However, the Isuprel (isoproterenol) does have some side effects that occur in many patients that are prescribed this medication.

One of the most profound side effects is Xerostomia, which is also known as dry mouth or cotton mouth. Xerostomia (dry mouth/cotton mouth) occurs when a medication being use, such as Isuprel (isoproterenol) causes a reduction in the amount of saliva that the mouth produces. The result is the feeling that the mouth is not wet. In many instances, this then causes the person prescribed the medication to feel the need to find ways to moisten the mouth. In many scenarios, this is a feat that cannot be accomplished by ones self. Before trying to resolve the issue with Xerostomia (dry mouth/cotton mouth) it is important to understand the reason why this condition happens in the first place.

Isuprel (isoproterenol) is a medication that causes the body to reduce the amount of mucous that the body produces. This is the manner in which the Isuprel (isoproterenol) alleviates the blocked arteries or blocked air passages. Unfortunately, the drug does not make distinctions concerning which types of mucous the body needs in order to maintain a comfortable functioning level, and which ones are harmful. To relieve the condition, which has the ability to make the patient drink lots of fluids, the intervention of a physician may be required.

The doctor will determine if there is a possibility that by changing dosages of the Isuprel (isoproterenol), the time taken, combinations of other medications taken with it, or substitutions of other drugs, can impede the suffering that patients have with Xerostomia (dry mouth/cotton mouth). If these types of solutions are not helpful and the doctor determines that there no other drug that works as well and it is in the best interest of the patient to remain on the Isuprel (isoproterenol), saliva substitutes or methods that promote saliva production will be introduced to the patient's medical regimen.

Some substitution methods are artificial saliva (sold over the counter), the prescription drug pilocarpine (Salagen), or even water mixed with glycerin in a spray bottle. There are several other suggestions to make tolerating the condition better. One is the reduction in the use of mouthwashes or toothpastes with alcohol, which tends to dry out the mouth even further. Another suggestion is to change the foods eaten, by either blending them to keep them from drying out or to incorporate moist foods into the diet. This will make swallowing much easier.

All in all Isuprel (isoproterenol) is a life saving medication when used as prescribed. For the most part its positives outweigh the negatives. However, every situation is different so it is best to discuss any concerns with the prescribing physician for all available options.

Source:

Bradycardia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradycardia , Wikipedia

Isoprenaline, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isoprenaline, Wikipedia

Isuprel, http://www.isuprel.com/ , Isuprel Resource Site

Xerostomia (Dry Mouth), http://www.uic.edu/classes/peri/peri343/xerost/xerost1.htm, University of Illinois at Chicago