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Isoxsuprine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 5, 2024.

Pronunciation

(eye SOKS syoo preen)

Index Terms

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Tablet, Oral, as hydrochloride:

Generic: 10 mg, 20 mg

Pharmacologic Category

Pharmacology

Isoxsuprine increases muscle blood flow, but skin blood flow is usually unaffected. Rather than increasing muscle blood flow by beta-receptor stimulation, isoxsuprine probably has a direct action on vascular smooth muscle. The generally accepted mechanism of action of isoxsuprine on the uterus is beta-adrenergic stimulation (Kaindl 1959; Samuels 1959).

Absorption

Rapid and complete (Samuels 1959)

Excretion

Urine (Kaindl 1959).

Time to Peak

Time to peak, serum: ~1 hour; serum concentrations maintained for at least 3 hours (Kaindl 1959)

Use: Labeled Indications

Cerebrovascular insufficiency: Relief of symptoms associated with cerebrovascular insufficiency.

Peripheral vascular diseases: Treatment of peripheral vascular diseases, such as arteriosclerosis obliterans, thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger disease), and Raynaud disease.

Note: More appropriate therapies (medical or surgical) should be considered; efficacy of isoxsuprine in the treatment of these conditions has not been well established.

Contraindications

Arterial bleeding; use immediately postpartum

Dosing: Adult

Peripheral vascular disease or symptoms of cerebrovascular insufficiency: Oral: 10 to 20 mg 3 or 4 times daily

Dosing: Geriatric

Avoid use (Beers Criteria [AGS 2019]).

Storage

Store at room temperature.

Drug Interactions

There are no known significant interactions.

Isoxsuprine drug interactions (more detail)

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

Frequency not defined.

Cardiovascular: Chest pain, hypotension, tachycardia

Central nervous system: Dizziness

Dermatologic: Skin rash

Gastrointestinal: Abdominal distress, nausea, vomiting

Isoxsuprine side effects (more detail)

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Rash: Severe rash has been reported; discontinue use if rash appears.

Pregnancy Considerations

Isoxsuprine crosses the placenta. Adverse effects (eg, hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, hypotension, and ileus) requiring treatment have been observed in infants born to mothers who received isoxsuprine during pregnancy. Maternal and fetal tachycardia have occurred with use and pulmonary edema has been reported with maternal use of beta stimulants (Brazy 1979; Brazy 1981). Although isoxsuprine has been evaluated for the treatment of preterm labor, use for this indication is not currently recommended (ACOG 171 2016).

Patient Education

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat certain blood vessel problems.

• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine's uses from the patient education leaflet and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information available about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please speak with your healthcare provider and review the entire patient education leaflet.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer