Esmolol

Esmolol is used to help maintain a normal heart rhythm in people with certain heart rhythm disorders, like atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.

Esmolol is also used during surgery to help control blood pressure and heart rate.

Esmolol may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

You should not use esmolol if you have a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker), severe heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint, recently had a heart attack, or if you are receiving certain IV heart or blood pressure medications.

If you receive esmolol during an emergency, make sure any follow-up doctor knows you received esmolol.

You should not use esmolol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (second or third degree);
• pulmonary hypertension (increased pressure inside the blood vessels of the lungs and heart);
• severe heart failure (that required you to be in the hospital);
• a history of slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint;
• if you have recently had a heart attack; or
• a condition for which you are being treated with intravenous (IV) heart or blood pressure medication (such as diltiazem, nicardipine, or verapamil).

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a certain type of chest pain (Prinzmetal's angina);
• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder;
• diabetes (taking esmolol may make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar);
• congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
• high blood levels of potassium (hyperkalemia);
• if your heart cannot pump blood properly;
• overactive thyroid;
• metabolic acidosis;
• any allergies;
• peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome; or
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Using this medicine during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you get pregnant. Do not stop the medicine without your doctor's advice.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:

• a feeling that you might pass out;
• new or worsening chest pain;
• slow or fast heartbeats;
• severe headache, blurred vision, or pounding in your neck or ears;
• bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing);
• pain, swelling, redness, burning, blisters, skin sores, or irritation around the IV needle;
• cold feeling in your hands and feet;
• heart problems—swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• high blood potassium—nausea, weakness, tingling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or loss of movement; or
• low blood sugar—headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery.

Common side effects of esmolol may include:

• increased sweating;
• dizziness; or
• low blood pressure.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Esmolol is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Tell your medical caregivers if you feel any burning or pain when esmolol is injected.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving esmolol.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often and you may need medical tests to check your progress. Your blood sugar and heart function will also be checked on a regular basis.

In a medical setting, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

In a medical setting, an overdose would be treated quickly.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• digoxin, digitalis;
• insulin or oral diabetes medicine;
• heart or blood pressure medication; or
• medicines to treat asthma, colds, or allergies.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect esmolol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.