Side Effects of Esmolol

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Esmolol Review Questions and Answers

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Generic Names:  Side effects of Esmolol
 
Side effects of Esmolol:
Gastrointestinal Nausea was reported in 7% of patients. Vomiting has occurred in about 1% of patients. Dyspepsia, constipation, dry mouth, and abdominal discomfort have each occurred in less than 1% of patients. Taste perversion has also been reported
General  
Cardiac Hypotension, cardiac failure, bronchospasm, interference with symptoms of hypoglycemia, Pallor, flushing, bradycardia (heart rate less than 50 beats per minute), chest pain, syncope, pulmonary edema and heart block
Central Nervous System Dizziness has occurred in 3% of patients; somnolence in 3%; confusion, headache, and agitation in about 2%; and fatigue in about 1% of patients. Paresthesia, asthenia, depression, abnormal thinking, anxiety, anorexia, and lightheadedness were reported in less than 1% of patients. Seizures were also reported in less than 1% of patients
Pulmonary Bronchospasm, wheezing, dyspnea, nasal congestion, rhonchi, and rales have each been reported in less than 1% of patients.
Dermatologic Infusion site reactions including inflammation and induration were reported in about 8% of patients. Edema, erythema, skin discoloration, burning at the infusion site, thrombophlebitis, and local skin necrosis from extravasation have each occurred in less than 1% of patients.
Other Urinary retention, speech disorder, abnormal vision, midscapular pain, rigors, and fever
Pharmacology of Esmolol:
Question:
What is the primary metabolism of esmolol?
Answer:
Esmolol is metabolized by hydrolysis by esteraces in the cytosol of red blood cells
Question:
What is the half-life of Esmolol?
Answer:
The half-life of Esmolol is approximate nine minutes
Question:
Do the blood levels of Esmolol correspond to the degree of beta blockade?
Answer:
Esmolol levels correlate with the extent of beta blockade
 Question:
How often does hypotension occur with Esmolol?
Answer:
Approximately 20 to 50% of patients who received Esmolol will develop blood pressures < 90 mmHg
 Question:
What is the mechanism of Esmolol?
Answer:
Esmolol is a beta adrenergic blocker with a short half-life.