Esmolol
About Esmolol
Esmolol belongs to the group of medicines called beta-blockers used for the short-term treatment of fast heartbeat. It is also used during and straight after surgery to treat high blood pressure and/or fast heartbeat.
Esmolol contains Esmolol, which works by controlling the force and rate of heartbeat. It also helps reduce the blood pressure. Thereby, it helps slow down the heart rate and reduce blood pressure.
In some cases, Esmolol may cause side effects such as a fall in blood pressure, excessive sweating, loss of appetite, and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not use Esmolol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Esmolol is not recommended for children below 18 years as the efficacy and safety have not been established. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects/interactions.
Uses of Esmolol
Medicinal Benefits
Esmolol belongs to the group of medicines called beta-blockers used for the short-term treatment of tachycardia (heartbeats too fast). It is also used during and straight after surgery to treat high blood pressure and/or fast heartbeat. Esmolol contains Esmolol, which works by controlling the force and rate of heartbeat. It also helps reduce the blood pressure. Thereby, it helps slow down the heart rate and reduce blood pressure.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Esmolol
- A fall in blood pressure
- Excessive sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
Drug Warnings
Esmolol should not be used if you are allergic to any of its components if you have a very slow heartbeat, severe heart block, low blood pressure, problems with blood supply to the heart, serious heart failure symptoms, phaeochromocytoma (hormone-secreting tumour occurring in the adrenal glands), asthma symptoms that are worsening rapidly, or metabolic acidosis (increased levels of acid in the body). Inform the doctor if you are being treated for certain heart rhythm disorders/heart problems or if you are taking other heart medicines if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, heart failure, heart block, skin problems, chest pain/angina, circulatory problems, kidney problems, psoriasis, or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Esmolol is not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for children below 18 years.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform the doctor if you are taking medicines used to lower blood pressure or heart rate, calcium channel blockers (nifedipine), anti-diabetics, pain killers (floctafenine), antipsychotics (amisulpride, clozapine), tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine, amitriptyline), anticonvulsant (phenobarbital), anti-hypertensives (reserpine, clonidine, moxonidine), or blood thinner (warfarin).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform the doctor if you have bradyarrhythmia (slow heart rate), cardiogenic shock, low blood pressure, congestive heart failure, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular insufficiency, glaucoma, overactive thyroid, myasthenia gravis, psoriasis, asthma/COPD, or kidney problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorTaking alcohol with esmolol may have additive effects in lowering blood pressure. Therefore, avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol.
Pregnancy
unsafeThe use of Esmolol is not recommended during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeEsmolol may pass into breast milk. Esmolol is not recommended if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
consult your doctorIt is not known if Esmolol affects your ability to drive. Drive or operate heavy machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have liver disease, inform the doctor before receiving Esmolol.
Kidney
cautionCaution is advised in patients with kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, inform the doctor before receiving Esmolol.
Children
unsafeEsmolol is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- You are advised to consume a low-salt and low-fat diet.
- Regular exercise is also recommended.
- Eat a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight with proper diet and exercise.
- Manage stress with meditation, yoga, and massage.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
High blood pressure (hypertension): It is a condition in which the blood exerts increased pressure on the walls of blood vessels, leading to hypertension. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Symptoms of high blood pressure include headache, dizziness, nose bleed, changes in vision, chest pain, weakness and dyspnoea (shortness of breath). However, most of the time, the signs and symptoms of hypertension are none.
Tachycardia: It is a condition in which the heart beats faster than usual, usually 100 beats per minute. Symptoms include lightheadedness/dizziness, palpitations/rapid heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and fainting.
FAQs
Esmolol is used to treat Fast heartbeat and high blood pressure.
Esmolol works by controlling the force and rate of heartbeat. It also helps reduce the blood pressure.
Consult the doctor if you have diabetes, as Esmolol may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar or increase the effects of diabetic medicines. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is advised.
You could develop hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels), which might lead to serious heart problems if you have kidney disease or need kidney dialysis. Therefore, consult the doctor if you have kidney problems.
You should not receive Esmolol within 48 hours of stopping verapamil. Consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
Esmolol does not cause weight gain, as it is typically used for short durations in an acute setting. If you notice unexpected weight changes while using Esmolol, please consult your doctor to determine whether it is related to the medication or other factors.
It is recommended to follow a low-salt, low-fat diet to reduce strain on your heart. Include plenty of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits in your meals, as they are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre, which promote optimal health. It is best to avoid high-sodium foods, excessive caffeine, alcohol, and high-fat or fried foods.
While taking Esmolol, please follow your doctor's advice regarding physical activity. Esmolol can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, so you should avoid activities that could strain your heart, such as intense exercise or sports. Your doctor may recommend limiting physical exertion or suggest alternative, low-intensity sports. Be sure to monitor your heart rate and any symptoms during exercise while on Esmolol.
Esmolol may cause common side effects such as a fall in blood pressure, excessive sweating, loss of appetite, and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
