Esmolol Injection

What is this medication?

ESMOLOL (ES moe lol) treats high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). It works by lowering your blood pressure and heart rate, making it easier for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body. It belongs to a group of medications called beta blockers.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Brevibloc

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Dehydration
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• An unusual or allergic reaction to esmolol, other beta-blockers, medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

This medication may interact with the following:

• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• Digoxin
• Mivacurium
• Succinylcholine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.