Toxicity of l-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-2-Isopropylaminoethanol Hydrochloride (Isuprel)

Abstract

SummaryIsuprel has a low acute toxicity in mice. Epinephrine is about 24 (intravenous) to 107 (intraperitoneal) times more toxic than this substance. Intravenous injection of Isuprel in rabbits was usually characterized by delayed deaths (30-90 minutes), the onset of terminal symptoms being rapid and unpredictable. Some deaths were observed at all doses tried (35-60 mg/kg). Subcutaneous injection into rats of 100 mg/kg once daily for 5 days caused no deaths.Isuprel orally administered to dogs in doses of 10 mg/kg caused tachycardia, nervousness followed by depression and, with larger doses, salivation and vomiting. Death was observed with a dose as small as 15 mg/kg although some animals survived oral doses of 50 mg/kg. Rats tolerated oral doses of 100 mg/kg daily for 15 days. Oral administration to dogs of 5 mg/kg daily for 6 to 17 weeks was well tolerated. Gross and histopathological examination of the vital organs of the medicated rats and dogs revealed no significant abnormalities. Isuprel did not int...