The Cardiovascular
Drug manuals

Esmolol

Esmolol Drug Esmolol Brand names Brevibloc ® Indications Short-term control of ventricular rate (including perioperative tachycardia) and hypertension (including hypertensive…

Esmolol

DrugEsmolol
Brand namesBrevibloc ®
IndicationsShort-term control of ventricular rate (including perioperative tachycardia) and hypertension (including hypertensive emergency, perioperative hypertension).
Mechanism of action• Relatively cardioselective (beta-1 receptor blocker) beta-blocker with ultra-short acting effect. • Half-life: 9 minutes.
Effects• Esmolol is a beta-adrenergic receptor blocker. • Esmolol lowers blood pressure immediately (within 1 minute) • Esmolol may also be used to control supraventricular tachycardia (rate control). • Esmolol may be used to reduce myocardial ischemia in the CCU or ICU.
Time to onset of action1 minute
Duration of action20-30 minutes
DeliveryIV
DoseLoading dose: 500 μg/kg bolus over 1 minute. Infusion start dose: 25–50 μg/kg/min. Maximum infusion dose: 300 μg/kg/min. Bolus doses of 300 μg/kg can be repeated during infusion.
Adverse effectsFlushing. Nausea. Bronchospasm. AV-block.
Caution• Avoid in acute heart failure. • May cause bradycardia.

Esmolol doses and administration in hypertension and tachycardia.

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