Brevibloc Side Effects

Generic name: esmolol

Note: This document contains side effect information about esmolol. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Brevibloc.

Some side effects of Brevibloc may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to esmolol: intravenous solution

Esmolol (the active ingredient contained in Brevibloc) use has been associated with low blood pressure and other serious side effects.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to esmolol: intravenous solution

General

Effects and side effects of esmolol (the active ingredient contained in Brevibloc) are usually brief and transient because of the relatively short half-life of esmolol (approximately 9 minutes).

Cardiovascular

Significant reductions of left and right ventricular ejection fractions, increases in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and decreases in cardiac output have been reported in patients with a mean left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction of 0.27. None of these changes were clinically significant, but the investigators advise cautious monitoring of the hemodynamic status in patients with LV dysfunction, especially at dosages greater than 200 mcg per kg per min.

Cardiovascular side effects are the most common. Symptomatic (diaphoresis or dizziness) and asymptomatic hypotension occur in up to 14% and 50% of patients, respectively. Hypotension is more likely with dosages greater than 200 mcg per kg per min. Peripheral ischemia, pallor, flushing, chest pain, syncope, bradycardia, pulmonary edema, and heart block have been reported in less than 1% of patients. Hemodynamic changes are reported in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects include dizziness, weakness, somnolence or headache in 3% to 7% of patients. Paresthesias, anorexia, asthenia, lightheadedness, agitation and general irritability occur in less than 1% of patients. One fatal seizure associated with esmolol (the active ingredient contained in Brevibloc) is reported.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal complaints are mainly limited to nausea in 6% of patients. Dyspepsia, general abdominal discomfort, dry mouth, and vomiting are reported in less than 1% of patients.

Respiratory

Respiratory system side effects including bronchospasm, dyspnea, wheezing nasal congestion, rhonchi, and rales have been reported in less than 1% of patients. As with other beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists, esmolol (the active ingredient contained in Brevibloc) should be given cautiously, if at all, to patients with a reactive airways disease.

Local

Local intravenous site reactions including inflammation and induration have been reported (approximately 8%). Edema, erythema, skin discoloration, burning, thrombophlebitis, and local skin necrosis have been reported in less than 1% of patients.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects including depression and abnormal thinking have been rarely reported (<1%).

Genitourinary

Genitourinary effects including urinary retention have been rarely reported (<1%).

Other

Other side effects including speech disorder, abnormal vision, midscapular pain, rigors, and fever have been reported rarely (<1%).

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