Esmolol (Injection)

Introduction:

Esmolol (ES-moe-lol)

Treats heart rhythm disorders. This medicine will also slow down a fast heartbeat and treat high blood pressure during or after surgery. This medicine is a beta-blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Brevibloc, Esmolol HCl, Novaplus Esmolol Hydrochloride

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using digoxin (Digitek®, Lanoxin®), morphine (Avinza®), reserpine, succinylcholine (Anectine®), or warfarin (Coumadin®). Tell your doctor if you are also using dopamine (Intropin®), epinephrine (Adrenalin®), norepinephrine (Levophed®), or verapamil (Isoptin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, diabetes, or kidney disease.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain, slow heartbeat, or sweating.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Fever or chills.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Seizures.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweats, and bluish-colored skin.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bad taste in your mouth.
• Confusion, headache, or agitation.
• Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or upset stomach.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning feelings.
• Pain, redness, itching, swelling, burning, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Problems with vision or speech.
• Tiredness or weakness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: