Esmolol

Expert Advice

Dosage Forms Available

• Esmolol is available in injectable form for intravenous administration.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• This medicine is intended for use in adults only.

Contraindications

• Esmolol is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of the product. It should also be avoided by those with severe bradycardia or heart block, a history of heart failure symptoms exacerbated by medication, and individuals with reactive airway diseases or bronchospasm due to the potential worsening of their condition.

Other Medications to Avoid

• This medicine may interact with other antihypertensives (such as beta-blockers like atenolol), digitalis glycosides (like digoxin), calcium channel blockers (such as verapamil), catecholamine-depleting medicines (like reserpine), and specific anaesthetics and sedatives (such as fentanyl and haloperidol).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Esmolol may lead to severe hypotension, bronchospasm, or hypoglycemia. Immediate medical attention is necessary; treatments might include administration of atropine, intravenous fluids, catecholamines, bronchodilators, and glucose. In extreme cases, hemodialysis might be required to remove Esmolol from the bloodstream.

• If you miss a dose during a continuous infusion, the infusion should be resumed as soon as possible under medical supervision to maintain effective blood levels. Do not attempt to double the rate of infusion to compensate for missed time.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• If experiencing dizziness or weakness, adjusting the position slowly when sitting up or standing may help manage these effects.

• For nausea, small frequent meals or ginger tea might be helpful to alleviate discomfort.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• While using Esmolol, you may experience side effects such as dizziness or weakness that can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Avoid engaging in these activities if these symptoms occur.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Esmolol should only be used during pregnancy or lactation if clearly needed. There are risks of adverse effects such as fetal bradycardia or hypoglycemia.

• Always consult your doctor before using this medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Caution is advised when administering Esmolol to patients with compromised myocardial function or peripheral vascular disease due to the risk of aggravating these conditions.

• Patients with renal impairment should use lower doses of Esmolol since the concentrations of the medicine can increase significantly in this group.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• To support cardiovascular health while managing conditions treated by Esmolol, maintain a low-sodium diet which can help reduce blood pressure levels.

• Regular moderate-intensity exercise like brisk walking or cycling is recommended unless otherwise advised by your doctor.

• Avoid consuming excessive caffeine or alcohol as they can provoke tachycardia and hypertension.

• Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can be beneficial in managing heart rate and blood pressure effectively.

Frequently asked questions

Terms & Conditions