esmolol

Generic Name: esmolol (ES moe lol)

Brand Names: Brevibloc

What is esmolol?

Esmolol is a beta 1-selective (cardioselective) adrenergic receptor blocking agent.

Esmolol is used for the rapid control of ventricular rate.

Esmolol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about esmolol?

Esmolol should be administered by a healthcare provider. It is typically administered in a clinical setting where a healthcare provider can monitor vital signs (blood pressure, heart rates) and where an emergency situation can be handled properly.

Other drugs can interact with esmolol resulting in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Tell your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, you are taking.

Esmolol use has been associated with low blood pressure and other serious side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions regarding the potential side effects associated with esmolol use.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using esmolol?

Tell your doctor about all prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products that your are taking.

Esmolol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether esmolol will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Do not use esmolol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use esmolol?

Esmolol should be administered by a healthcare provider. It is typically administered in a clinical setting where a healthcare provider can monitor vital signs (blood pressure, heart rates) and where an emergency situation can be handled properly.

Your healthcare provider will store esmolol as directed by the manufacturer.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since the medication will be administered by a healthcare provider, missing a dose should not occur.

What happens if I overdose?

Esmolol is typically administered by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting where an emergency situation or overdose can be handled properly.

What should I avoid while using esmolol?

Other drugs can interact with esmolol resulting in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Tell your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, you are taking.

Esmolol side effects

Esmolol use has been associated with low blood pressure and other serious side effects.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Esmolol Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Atrial Fibrillation:

Initial dose: Loading infusion of 500 mcg/kg/min (0.5 mg/kg/min) over one minute.
Maintenance dose: 50 mcg/kg/min (0.05 mg/kg/min) for 4 minutes.

Usual Adult Dose for Atrial Flutter:

Initial dose: Loading infusion of 500 mcg/kg/min (0.5 mg/kg/min) over one minute.
Maintenance dose: 50 mcg/kg/min (0.05 mg/kg/min) for 4 minutes.

Usual Adult Dose for Supraventricular Tachycardia:

Initial dose: Loading infusion of 500 mcg/kg/min (0.5 mg/kg/min) over one minute.
Maintenance dose: 50 mcg/kg/min (0.05 mg/kg/min) for 4 minutes.

Usual Adult Dose for Intra- or Post-op SVT or Hypertension:

Immediate control: 80 mg (approximately 1 mg/kg) bolus dose over 30 seconds followed by a 150 mcg/kg/min infusion, if necessary. Adjust the infusion rate as required up to 300 mcg/kg/min to maintain desired heart rate and/or blood pressure.
Gradual control: The dosing schedule is the same as that used in supraventricular tachycardia.

NOTE: Higher dosages (250 to 300 mcg/kg/min) may be required for adequate control of blood pressure than those required for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, flutter and sinus tachycardia. One third of the postoperative hypertensive patients required these higher doses.

What other drugs will affect esmolol?

Other drugs can interact with esmolol resulting in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Tell your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, you are taking.

More esmolol resources

• Esmolol Side Effects (in more detail)
• Esmolol Dosage
• Esmolol Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Esmolol Drug Interactions
• Esmolol Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Esmolol - Add your own review/rating

• esmolol Intravenous Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Esmolol MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Esmolol Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Brevibloc Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Brevibloc Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare esmolol with other medications

• Atrial Fibrillation
• Atrial Flutter
• Intra- or Post-op SVT or Hypertension
• Supraventricular Tachycardia

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about esmolol written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: esmolol side effects (in more detail)