Brevibloc Injection
Esmolol Hydrochloride 100mg (5 x 10mL Vials)
How does Brevibloc (Esmolol) work?
Esmolol belongs to a group of medicines known as beta-blockers. Beta-blockers act by blocking specific receptors (beta-receptors), that are found in the heart, lungs and other organs of the body and as a result prevent the action of two naturally occurring substances known as noradrenaline and adrenaline. These substances are often referred to as the 'fight or flight' chemicals, as they are released in the body in response to stress and are responsible for the body's reaction to stressful situations e.g. rapid heart beats (palpitations or tachycardia) and widening of the airways to prevent rapid breathing (hyperventilation).
Esmolol is a fast acting beta-blocker and is only given by slow injection into the veins. It acts specifically on the receptors in the heart muscle and is therefore known as a cardio-selective beta-blocker. One of the theoretical advantages of cardio-selective beta-blockers is that the effect of the medicine is restricted mainly to the heart muscle and does not produce any unwanted effects on other organs. However in some cases these effects may be observed on other organs.
The mechanism by which beta-blockers work is not fully understood. It is thought that blocking beta-receptors in the heart causes the heart to beat more slowly and with less force. In heart disorders, where increased heart beats (tachycardia) or irregular or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) are present, beta-blockers work by returning the heart back to its normal rhythm and controlling the heart rate. As a result of this it reduces the pressure at which blood is pumped out of the heart to the rest of the body and produces a reduction in blood pressure. Hence esmolol is used in the treatment of raised blood pressure (hypertension), tachycardia and arrhythmias. Esmolol is usually administered in a hospital setting and requires close medical supervision.
What is Brevibloc (Esmolol) used for?
- High blood pressure in the period before, during and after surgery
- Increased heartrate
- Irregular heart beats
Brevibloc (Esmolol) Side Effects
- Headache
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Low blood pressure
- Death of the skin cells
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomitting
- Sleepiness
- Inflammation of the wall of a vein with a blood clot forming in the affected segment of vein
- Skin reactions such as rash and itch
|
Categories
Your cart
