What is Esmolol?
Esmolol, a beta blocker, is prescribed to people who have certain atrial rhythm disorders (the chambers above the heart that allow blood flow to the heart). Esmolol can be used by people who have atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.Esmolol can also be used to regulate heart rate and blood pressure during surgeries.Esmolol can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Esmolol
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
If you:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Very slow heartbeats
- You may experience swelling in your feet or hands.
- Chest tightness;
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Pain, swelling, irritation, or bruising around the IV;
- Feeling cold in the hands and feet
- High potassium: nausea; slow heartbeat; weakness or loss of mobility
- Low blood sugar: headache, sweating, irritability, and nausea.
Esmolol can cause a variety of side effects.
- Increased sweating
nausea; - Dizziness, drowsiness,
- Low blood pressure.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Report any side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Esmolol should not be used if you suffer from a heart problem (such as "sick sinus syndrome", or an "AV block") or have very slow heartbeats.You may not have the opportunity to inform caregivers of your medical conditions in an emergency. Be sure that any doctor who treats you afterwards knows about your esmolol treatment.
Before you take this drug
If you're allergic to esmolol or have any of the following:
- A serious condition of the heart such as "sick-sinus syndrome" or an "AV block", (second or third degrees);
- A history of fainting due to slow heartbeats
- Severe heart failure;
- Hypertension pulmonary (an increase in the pressure within the vessels of the heart and lungs);
- A condition that is being treated by intravenous heart medication or blood pressure medications (such as diltiazem, nicardipine, or verapamil).
Tell your doctor, if possible, if you've ever:
- A heart condition known as Prinzmetal’s angina
- Asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) are breathing disorders.
- Diabetes;
- Pheochromocytoma
- Overactive thyroid
- Allergies;
Kidney disease
Coronary artery disease - Raynaud syndrome
This medicine is unknown to cause harm to an unborn child. Inform your doctor that you are expecting.This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.You may not know if you're pregnant or breastfeeding in an emergency. Be sure to tell any doctor who is caring for you or your child that this medication was taken.
How to take Esmolol?
Esmolol can be infused into the vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare professional.While you receive esmolol, your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen level, and other vital indicators will be closely monitored.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You are unlikely to miss any doses of esmolol because you receive it in a clinic setting.
What happens if I overdose?
As esmolol will be administered by a health care professional, it is unlikely that an overdose can occur.
Avoid this
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions on foods, drinks, or activities, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including:
- Digoxin, digitalis;
- Blood pressure medications
- Diet pills, stimulants, and adhd medications (adderall and ritalin)
- Insulin, or oral diabetic medicine
- Medicines to treat allergies, asthma, or colds
The list below is not exhaustive. Esmolol may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
