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esmolol hydrochloride-injection, Brevibloc

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GENERIC NAME: ESMOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE - INJECTION (ESS-mow-lall)

BRAND NAME(S): Brevibloc

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: If you have angina or have had heart problems, do not suddenly stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this medication, you must stop this medication gradually according to your doctor's instructions.

USES: This medication is used for temporary control of heart rate and blood pressure.

HOW TO USE: This medication is diluted then given continuously by vein (IV infusion). Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution. Consult your pharmacist if you are unclear on any instructions of use. Check visually for particles or discoloration before use. If present, do not use the medication.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea and drowsiness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly any: dizziness, sweating, pain/redness at the injection site. Unlikely but report promptly: mental/mood changes, headache, rash. Very unlikely but report promptly: chest pain, swelling, trouble breathing, unusually slow or irregular pulse, changes in skin color, fainting, seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, heart disease, kidney disease, low blood pressure (hypotension), breathing problems (asthma or COPD), diabetes. Limit alcohol intake, as this may intensify drug side effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: other beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, metoprolol), "calcium channel blockers" (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine), digoxin, morphine, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), arbutamine, dopamine, succinylcholine, epinephrine/norepinephrine, other blood pressure medicine (e.g., reserpine, clonidine), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), St John's wort. This drug can block some effects of adrenaline (epinephrine), which is a drug used to treat allergic emergencies. Consult your doctor. Also report use of drugs causing drowsiness such as: antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline), sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Do not mix this drug with sodium bicarbonate IV fluids. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.