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Isoxsuprine

Generic name: isoxsuprine systemic

Brand names: Vasodilan, Voxsuprine

Dosage Forms

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

Tablet, Oral, as hydrochloride:

Generic: 10 mg, 20 mg

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

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).

Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics

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

Dosage and Administration

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.

Isoxsuprine Images

Drug Interactions

There are no known significant interactions.

Adverse Reactions

Frequency not defined.

Cardiovascular: Chest pain, hypotension, tachycardia

Central nervous system: Dizziness

Dermatologic: Skin rash

Gastrointestinal: Abdominal distress, nausea, vomiting

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

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

Pregnancy

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

  • Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
  • Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.

Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.

Source: Wolters Kluwer Health. Last updated May 2, 2019.