Esmolol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 22, 2024.

Applies to esmolol: intravenous solution.

Precautions

Your doctor will only give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then you will be switched to another medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor .

Serious side effects of esmolol

Along with its needed effects, esmolol may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking esmolol:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking esmolol:

Symptoms of overdose

• dilated neck veins
• extreme fatigue
• irregular breathing
• no blood pressure or pulse
• stopping of heart
• swelling of face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• unconsciousness
• weight gain

Other side effects of esmolol

Some side effects of esmolol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to esmolol: intravenous solution.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Hypotension
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bradycardia, atrioventricular block, pulmonary arterial pressure increased, cardiac failure, ventricular extrasystoles, nodal rhythm, angina pectoris, peripheral ischemia, pallor, flushing, chest pain, asystole
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Sinus pause
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Sinus arrest, asystole, thrombophlebitis
• Frequency not reported: Accelerated idioventricular rhythm, coronary arteriospasm, cardiac arrest^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Diaphoresis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Skin discoloration, erythema
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Skin necrosis (due to extravasation)
• Frequency not reported: Psoriasis, angioedema, urticaria^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysgeusia, dyspepsia, constipation, dry mouth, abdominal pain^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urinary retention^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site reaction, infusion site reaction, infusion site inflammation, infusion site induration
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Infusion site burning, infusion site ecchymosis
• Frequency not reported: Infusion site phlebitis, infusion site vesicles, blistering^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, somnolence, headache, paresthesia, weakness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syncope, convulsion, speech disorder, light headedness^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Musculoskeletal pain^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Visual impairment^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, fatigue
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chills, pyrexia, edema, pain^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression, anxiety, disturbance in attention, confusion, agitation
• Uncommon (less than 1%): Abnormal thinking^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (less than 1%): Dyspnea, pulmonary edema, bronchospasm, wheezing, nasal congestion, rhonchi, rales^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Esmolol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer