Esmolol is an antiarrhythmic drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved in 1986 for treating arrhythmia and hypertensive emergencies.

Esmolol is used to treat various cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure (hypertension), and irregular heartbeats known as arrhythmias, and to control heart rate in situations like surgeries or medical procedures.

Esmolol can be administered only as an intravenous injection into a vein by your physician in a hospital setting. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. 

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Esmolol are headache, dizziness, excessive sweating, loss of appetite, feeling depressed, confused, or agitated, weakness, sleepiness, irritation and hardening of the skin at the injection site, difficulty concentrating, tingling sensation, nausea, and vomiting.

Individuals with kidney problems, including those who require kidney dialysis, are at risk of developing high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia) when using Esmolol. Hyperkalemia can have serious effects on the heart's function and needs to be monitored and managed carefully. Inform your physician if you have any history of psoriasis (a skin condition characterized by scaly patches) because, during this condition, special consideration is necessary when using this drug. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should consult your physician before receiving this drug because the safety of this drug has not been thoroughly studied. Taking this drug during breastfeeding is unsafe because it tends to get excreted in human milk. Consult your doctor for more advice.

This drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or its component. Esmolol should be used cautiously or avoided in individuals with certain conditions, such as severe bradycardia (slow heart rate), heart block, low blood pressure, asthma, and heart failure. Your physician will assess the risks and benefits before prescribing this drug. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate is important while on treatment with this drug, especially when the dose is adjusted. If you are scheduled for surgery or anesthesia, inform your physician that you are taking this drug, as it can affect your response to anesthesia and other medications.

Esmolol is often used to control heart rate and blood pressure. If you notice any significant changes in your heart rate and blood pressure, contact your doctor immediately. Ensure you stay adequately hydrated, especially if you have kidney problems. Proper hydration can help mitigate the risk of developing high blood potassium levels. Do not take any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, or vitamins, without consulting your doctor. This drug can interact with other substances.

1. Orpha-Devel Handels und Vertriebs GmbH, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on March 2022] [ Accessed on 17th August 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3057.pdf
2. Baxter Healthcare Corporation, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Dec 2012] [ Accessed on 17th August 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/019386s043lbl.pdf
3. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Adrenergic agonists and antagonists, 12th edition, 2011, 327.
4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antihypertensive drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 573.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.