Continuing Education Activity

Esmolol, or esmolol hydrochloride, is an intravenous cardioselective β-1 adrenergic antagonist. This drug has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for short-term use in managing supraventricular tachycardia, including rapid ventricular rates in individuals with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, and hypertension induced by intubation. Esmolol is a valuable emergency medication for focal atrial tachycardia, particularly in individuals experiencing active bronchospasm. Furthermore, esmolol has proven to be a safe and efficient medication for controlling blood pressure during surgery due to its short half-life. The drug is also indicated in cases of sinus tachycardia, where a rapid heartbeat requires immediate intervention, especially in the case of acute coronary syndrome.

Esmolol is used in various settings, including urgent care, perioperative care, and postoperative care. This drug is used off-label for managing rate and rhythm in conditions such as aortic dissection, acute coronary syndrome, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, hypertensive emergencies, thyrotoxicosis, refractory ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation resistant to defibrillation, and for mitigating the catecholamine response during electroconvulsive therapy. This activity focuses on the indications, mechanism of action, adverse events, pharmacology, monitoring, contraindications, clinical toxicology, and relevant interactions of esmolol. This activity also highlights the crucial role of interprofessional healthcare teams involved in assessing treatment approaches and treating patients with tachycardia and related conditions where esmolol is beneficial, considering individual patient needs and potential risk factors.

Objectives:

• Identify the appropriate indications for esmolol use, recognizing scenarios such as supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and hypertensive emergencies.
• Differentiate between the various clinical settings where esmolol is applicable, including urgent care, perioperative, and emergencies.
• Assess the patient's response to esmolol, monitoring vital signs, cardiac parameters, and any potential adverse events during treatment.
• Coordinate with interprofessional healthcare teams to optimize esmolol usage within a comprehensive treatment plan, ensuring seamless integration with other therapeutic modalities and patient-centered care.

Indications

Esmolol, or esmolol hydrochloride, is an intravenous cardioselective β-1 adrenergic antagonist.[1] Esmolol is used in various settings, including urgent care, perioperative care, and postoperative care. In the contemporary era, esmolol has the following indications.

FDA-Approved Indications

Esmolol has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for short-term use in managing supraventricular tachycardia, including rapid ventricular rates in individuals with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Esmolol is a valuable emergency medication for focal atrial tachycardia, particularly in individuals experiencing active bronchospasm.[2] According to 2019 AHA/ACC/HRS (American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Heart Rhythm Society) guidelines, intravenous β-blockers such as esmolol are recommended to slow a rapid ventricular response in patients with AF who do not have heart failure, hemodynamic instability, or bronchospasm.[3] Similarly, the 2023 AHA/ACC/ACCP/HRS (American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/American College of Clinical Pharmacy/Heart Rhythm Society) guidelines endorse esmolol in hemodynamically stable atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response.[4]

Furthermore, esmolol has proven to be a safe and efficient medication used for controlling blood pressure during surgery due to its short half-life.[5] The drug is also indicated in sinus tachycardia, where a rapid heartbeat requires immediate intervention, especially in the case of acute coronary syndrome.[6]

Off-Label Uses

Esmolol has various off-label uses, such as managing rate and rhythm in conditions such as aortic dissection, acute coronary syndrome, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, hypertensive emergencies, thyrotoxicosis, refractory ventricular tachycardia, refractory to defibrillation, and ventricular fibrillation.[7] The drug is also used for mitigating the catecholamine response during electroconvulsive therapy.[8]

According to a recent study, esmolol may improve survival for patients with refractory ventricular fibrillation (RVF) in prehospital settings.[9] A topical esmolol formulation is investigated for diabetic foot ulcers and shows promising results in a phase 3 randomized controlled trial.[10] The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of a single bolus dose of esmolol in attenuating cardiorespiratory responses during extubation, highlighting the potential as a safe and effective strategy in managing extubation-related complications.[11]

Hypertensive emergency: Loading dose of 500 to 1000 mcg/kg over 1 minute (can be repeated once), followed by infusion of 50 mcg/kg/min until the maximum dose of 200 mcg/kg/min is achieved.[12][13]

Aortic dissection: Loading dose of 500 mcg/kg over 2 to 5 minutes, followed by 10 mcg/kg infusion to 20 mcg/kg/min.[14]

Acute coronary syndrome: Loading dose of 500 mcg/kg over 1 minute, followed by 50 mcg/kg per minute infusion titrated every 5 to 15 minutes until the maximum dose of 300 mcg/kg/min.[15]

Electroconvulsive therapy: Loading dose of 1000 mcg/kg over 1 minute before administration of anesthesia.[16]

Thyrotoxicosis: 50 to 100 mcg/kg/min.

Intubation cholinergic response: Loading dose of 1000 to 2000 mcg/kg administered 1.5 to 3 min before endotracheal intubation.

Ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation: Loading dose of 500 mcg/kg bolus, followed by 50 mcg/kg/min.

Mechanism of Action

Esmolol is a short-acting, cardio-selective β-blocker, a class II antiarrhythmic agent that is a competitive antagonist of the β-1-adrenergic receptors primarily in the myocytes.[17] By blocking the adrenergic activity of epinephrine and norepinephrine, it decreases contractility (negative inotropic effect), heart rate (negative chronotropic effect), and conduction.[18] Esmolol increases atrioventricular refractory time, decreases oxygen demand of the myocardium, and decreases atrioventricular conduction (negative dromotropic effect). A minor β-2-adrenergic blockade is reported with high IV infusion doses. Esmolol does not have any membrane-stabilizing activity or α-adrenergic blockade.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Esmolol is rapidly absorbed, the onset of action is within 60 seconds, and it maintains a steady state within 5 minutes of initiating infusion.[19] A steady state is achieved at 2 minutes if a loading dose is administered. The drug has a 9-minute half-life and rapid renal clearance.

Distribution: Esmolol has plasma protein binding of 55%. The mean apparent volume of distribution is approximately 0.33 to 0.53 L/kg.[20]

Metabolism: Fast metabolism translates into the rapid decrease of pharmacological effect (within 10 to 30 minutes) once the infusion is discontinued, making esmolol safer when titrated appropriately.[21] Hydrolysis by the erythrocyte esterases metabolizes esmolol to an acid metabolite and methanol, eliminating the need for dose adjustments in renal or hepatic dysfunction.[20]

Elimination: The metabolite has a half-life of 3.7 hours and is excreted via urine. Esmolol has a higher clearance (281 mL/kg/min) in infants than in adults and children.[19]

Administration

Available Dosage Forms and Strengths

Esmolol is available in various formulations, including an injection of 100 mg per 10 mL vial (10 mg/mL), a premixed injection bag with 2500 mg in 250 mL (10 mg/mL), and a double-strength premixed injection bag of 2000 mg in 100 mL (20 mg/mL). Esmolol is administered intravenously, preferably through central venous access; however, it can also be infused peripherally.

FDA approval was based on adult subjects. Pediatric dosages have been experimental and unapproved by the FDA. Esmolol should be used short-term, with a maintenance dose infusion under 48 hours. Most patients on esmolol infusions will be transitioned to other long-term agents. Once the effects of esmolol are no longer needed, it should not be tapered gradually.[6] New medication should be initiated, titrating esmolol down by 50% and reassessing hemodynamic stability. If the patient is stable, continue slowly titrating the esmolol down while titrating the new agent until the desired heart rate and blood pressure are achieved. Peripheral extravasations can cause thrombophlebitis. If the extravasation occurs, the infusion should be stopped, the line should be gently aspirated, and the limb should be elevated.

Adult Dosage

Perioperative and postoperative tachycardia and hypertension (2 methods): A 1000 mcg/kg bolus over 30 seconds, followed by 150 mcg/kg per minute infusion, with a maximum dose of 300 mcg/kg per minute.

A bolus of 500 mcg/kg over 1 minute, followed by 50 mcg/kg/min infusion for 4 minutes. If the desired therapeutic effect is not achieved, the esmolol dose may be increased to 50 mcg/kg/min until the maximum dose of 300 mcg/kg/min.[22]

Supraventricular tachycardia and non-compensatory sinus tachycardia: A bolus loading dose of 500 mcg/kg over 1 minute was followed by a 50 mcg/kg/min infusion for 4 minutes. If the desired effect is not reached, it may increase in 50 mcg/kg per minute increments until the maximum dose of 200 mcg/kg per minute. For rapid efficacy, follow the initial loading dose and infusion of 50 mcg/kg per minute by a second 500 mcg/kg bolus over 1 minute and increase drip to 100 mcg/kg per minute for 4 minutes.[23] 

Specific Patient Populations

Hepatic impairment: Esmolol does not require dosage adjustment for hepatic impairment.[24]

Renal impairment: Esmolol does not require dosage adjustment for renal impairment.[25]

Pregnancy considerations: Esmolol is a category C drug in pregnancy. During trials in third-trimester pregnancy and labor, Esmolol causes fetal bradycardia, which persisted after the drug infusion was discontinued.[26]

Breastfeeding considerations: Esmolol has 55% plasma protein binding, < 1% renal excretion, and a short half-life of <10 minutes; hence, infants have no risk of accumulation. There is inconclusive data regarding milk excretion; however, it should not be used in breastfeeding mothers due to the serious potential for adverse effects.[20][27]

Pediatric patients: The safety and effectiveness of esmolol are unestablished in pediatric patients. However, esmolol is used off-label for supraventricular tachycardia.[28]

Older patients: The initiation of esmolol dosage in older patients is usually recommended at the lower end of the range due to a higher prevalence of reduced renal or cardiac function and increased occurrences of concurrent diseases or concomitant drug therapies.

Adverse Effects

• The most common adverse reaction with esmolol is hemodynamic compromise, which happens to over 10% of all patients.[29]

• The risk of asymptomatic (25%) and symptomatic (12%) hypotension occurs at all doses, but the risk is dose-dependent.[30] Hypotension in esmolol patients appears once doses reach 150 mcg/kg per minute. In clinical trials, esmolol-induced hypotension is usually corrected by titrating or discontinuing the infusion.

• Patients also experienced dizziness (3%), peripheral ischemia (1%), and infusion site reaction (8%), such as blistering, necrosis, or thrombophlebitis.[23] 

• Rare adverse drug reactions (less than 1% of patients without comorbidities) include bradycardia, decompensated heart failure, cardiac arrest, and heart block.[31]

• Esmolol does not show any significant laboratory abnormalities, and patients tolerated the drug while being infused for up to 24 hours. However, some cases of hyperkalemia with esmolol use have been reported. Therefore, electrolyte levels should be monitored for hyperkalemia in patients with renal disease.[32]

• Hypoglycemic-induced tachycardia is not present with esmolol, like other β-blockers. Patients with diabetes who are on esmolol should be closely monitored. Esmolol is reported to exacerbate coronary vasospasms, such as Prinzmetal’s Angina.[33]

• In the setting of a patient with pheochromocytoma, esmolol is given with an α-blocker to avoid β-blockage without opposed alpha. Patients with a history of hyperthyroidism should be closely monitored after discontinuation of esmolol as it may exacerbate hyperthyroidism. Esmolol may also aggravate arterial insufficiency in patients with a history of significant peripheral vascular disease.[34]

• As the excipient contains methanol, esmolol is ingested by patients with methanol poisoning.[19]

Drug-Drug Interactions

Numerous drug-drug interactions exist with esmolol, the most significant being:

• Digoxin: A 10% to 20% increase in digoxin levels may aggravate slow AV conduction and heart rate.

• Anticholinesterases: Prolonged neuromuscular junction blockage and recovery time.

• Calcium channel blockers: Decreases myocardial contractility and may trigger cardiac arrest.

• Vasoconstrictor and inotropic agents: Esmolol should not be used to control heart rate elevation in patients who receive peripheral vascular constrictive agents such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.[35][36]

Contraindications

Box Warnings

Esmolol is contraindicated in patients with sinus bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, atrioventricular heart block, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary hypertension, and a history of hypersensitivity reactions to esmolol. In addition, esmolol and calcium channel blockers should not be administered together, as this may exacerbate hypotension and bradycardia. Patients with first-degree heart block and nodal dysfunctions are at an increased risk of progressive heart block, bradycardia, and AV dissociation. Patients with preexisting heart failure are at greater risk of decompensated heart failure and cardiogenic shock.[37] Clinicians should be cautious when using β-blockers, such as esmolol, in patients with airway diseases such as asthma and COPD. However, the β-2 receptor's effects are minimal; some risks may exist at higher doses.[38]

Warning and Precautions

Esmolol can attenuate reflex tachycardia and increase the risk of hypotension in patients with hypovolemia. Manufacturer labeling suggests that patients using beta blockers may be less responsive to the usual doses of epinephrine used for anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions. However, a retrospective observational study examined patients presenting with anaphylaxis in the emergency department and found that 8% required more than one epinephrine dose, and only 13% of those patients were using β-blockers, suggesting no substantial association between β-blocker usage and the need for multiple doses of epinephrine. Overall, the study did not establish a clinically significant link between β-blocker use and the requirement for epinephrine dosing in individuals experiencing anaphylaxis.[39] The case report documented that the use of esmolol in sterile water was associated with significant hyponatremia and subsequent seizures. Awareness of medication formulations and potential adverse effects is crucial in clinical management.[40]

Monitoring

Esmolol is a fast-acting medication that can quickly alter heart rate and pressure. When the patient is on esmolol, it is recommended that they have continuous blood pressure monitoring, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and, if possible, ECG.[41] An arterial line provides the best method of continuous blood pressure monitoring, which is beneficial in use with esmolol. The peripheral intravenous (IV) site should be checked regularly for any signs or symptoms of infiltration and extravasation.

As mentioned above, in patients with comorbidities, appropriate serum concentrations, such as glucose (diabetes), thyroid function tests (hyperthyroid), and potassium (renal insufficiency), are monitored. Peripheral pulses should be checked in patients with peripheral vascular disease.[42] The CHA2DS2-VASc score is measured for risk stratification of a thromboembolic event and decision regarding anticoagulation according to AHA/ACC guidelines.[3]

Toxicity

Signs and Symptoms of Overdose

An overdose of esmolol can result in a myriad of symptoms and effects. Cardiac signs of toxicity include but are not limited to bradycardia, AV block of any degree, complete AV dissociation, decreased contractility, cardiogenic shock, asystole, and pulseless electrical activity.[43] Neurologic signs of toxicity include but are not limited to respiratory irregularities, seizures, coma, and psychiatric symptomatology.[44] Other symptoms of toxicity may include bronchospasms, gastrointestinal mesenteric ischemia, and peripheral cyanosis.

Management of Overdose

Since esmolol has an ultra-short half-life, toxicity should be treated by discontinuing the infusion. Acute toxicity is often self-limited and treated supportively. Toxicity that results in bradycardia should be treated by atropine, pacing, and other anticholinergic agents. Cardiogenic shock is treated with inotropic agents such as dobutamine, dopamine, and isoproterenol. Although rare, bronchospasms are treated with a β-2 agonist, such as albuterol.[45] The Advanced Cardiac Life Support protocols should treat pulseless electrical activity and cardiac arrest. As with other β-blocker overdoses, calcium chloride is given to mitigate the effects of esmolol when metabolized. High-dose insulin euglycaemic therapy and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are associated with reduced mortality.[46]

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Healthcare professionals, including those in the MICU and CCU who administer esmolol, should be familiar with the adverse effects. Esmolol is an ultra-fast-acting medication that controls heart rate and pressure. Therefore, when the patient is on esmolol, it is recommended that nursing staff continuously monitor patients for blood pressure, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and, if possible, ECG. An arterial line will provide the best continuous blood pressure monitoring method, which is beneficial when used with esmolol. The intravenous site should be checked regularly to prevent infiltration and extravasation. The pharmacist should perform medication reconciliation and inform the prescriber of any concerns.

Given the pharmacodynamics of esmolol, it is advisable to use an interprofessional team approach to the drug. This interprofessional team includes clinicians, specialists, nurses, and pharmacists, all coordinating their activities and communicating openly so team members are operating from the same information and can intervene or report the need for intervention and achieve optimal patient outcomes related to esmolol therapy. According to the 2016 ESC (European Society of Cardiology), managing patients with atrial fibrillation requires coordination from an interprofessional team consisting of specialists, stroke clinicians, cardiologists, clinicians, AF surgeons, allied healthcare professionals, patients, and family members and integrated care has the potential to enhance patient outcomes.[47]

Review Questions

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Disclosure: Aleksandr Pevtsov declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Connor Kerndt declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Intisar Ahmed declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Preeti Patel declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Katherine Fredlund declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.