Which of the following is an advantage of isoproterenol when given by nebulized administration?

• A. It is associated with significant hypertension when nebulized
• B. Bronchodilation with nebulized administration and minimal vascular effects
• C. It has no bronchodilating effect
• D. It cannot be inhaled

Answer: (B)

Nebulized delivery concentrates the drug in the lungs, where it relaxes airway smooth muscle and dilates bronchi, while limiting how much enters the bloodstream. Isoproterenol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic agonist, stimulates beta-2 receptors in the airways to produce bronchodilation, and delivering it by inhalation targets that effect locally. Because systemic absorption is reduced with nebulization, vascular effects (like blood pressure changes) are minimized compared with systemic administration. This combination—bronchodilation with limited systemic vascular impact—explains why nebulized isoproterenol is advantageous. The other statements conflict with its inhaled pharmacology or with the drug’s ability to act in the airways.