Esmolol Hydrochloride

Esmolol Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of esmolol, a short and rapid-acting beta adrenergic antagonist belonging to the class II anti-arrhythmic drugs and devoid of intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. Esmolol hydrochloride competitively blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors in cardiac muscle and reduces the contractility and cardiac rate of heart muscle, thereby decreasing cardiac output and myocardial oxygen demands.

Indications

Supraventricular, tachycardia, peri operative tachycardia and hypertension.

Dosage

Loading dose - S.V.T. - 500 mcg/kg/min for 1 min, Periop tachy-1000 mcg/kg within 30 secs. Maintenance - for SVT & periop tachycardia: Initiate with 50 mcg/kg/min for 4 mins increasing maximum upto 300 mcg/kg/min. Every increment of 50 mcg/kg/min in maintenance should be preceded by the same loading dose.

Contra-Indications

Sinus bradycardia,heart block, cardiogenic shock or overt heart failure.

Special Precautions

Use with caution in pregnancy, nursing mothers, and in children.

Side Effects

Hypotension, dizziness, headache, confusion, fatigue, paresthesia, asthenia, depression, anxiety, anorexia, bronchospasm.

Drug Interactions

No significant interaction with digoxin, warfarin and morphine.