Esmolol injection

What is this medicine?

ESMOLOL is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. This medicine is used to slow down a fast heart rate and reduce high blood pressure.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection or infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet

• confusion

• decreased blood pressure

• difficulty breathing, wheezing

• dizziness or fainting spells

• pain, swelling, redness or irritation at the injection site

• slow heart rate (less than 50 beats per minute)

• sweating

• swollen legs and ankles

• vomiting

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

• headache

• nausea

• unusual tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat

• digoxin

• morphine

• reserpine

• succinylcholine

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This does not apply. You will not be given this medicine to store at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• diabetes

• heart or vessel disease like slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome or Raynaud's disease

• kidney disease

• low blood pressure

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema

• pheochromocytoma

• an unusual or allergic reaction to esmolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.