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Hemodynamic Effects of Esmolol, an Ultrashort‐acting Beta Blocker
Author(s) -
Askenazi Joseph,
MacCosbe Paul E.,
Hoff Julie,
Turlapaty Prasad,
Hua Tsushung A.,
Laddu Atul
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
the journal of clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.92
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1552-4604
pISSN - 0091-2700
DOI - 10.1002/j.1552-4604.1987.tb03068.x
Subject(s) - esmolol , hemodynamics , medicine , anesthesia , stroke volume , ejection fraction , cardiology , mean arterial pressure , heart rate , beta blocker , cardiac index , cardiac output , blood pressure , heart failure
The hemodynamic effects of esmolol were evaluated in 12 male patients at rest (mean age, 51 ± 10 years) undergoing routine cardiac catheterization. Hemodynamic measurements were obtained during baseline (prior to esmolol), at steady state (during an intravenous infusion of esmolol 300 μg/kg/min), and at 30 minutes after stopping esmolol (postinfusion). Esmolol produced hemodynamic effects similar to the effects of other beta blockers. Significant reductions in rate‐pressure product (mean decrease, 15%), cardiac index (mean decrease, 17%), stroke volume index (mean decrease, 13%), left ventricular stroke work index (mean decrease, 20%), and left ventricular ejection fraction (mean decrease, 18%) were observed. In contrast to other beta blockers, all hemodynamic effects of esmolol had returned to baseline values within 30 minutes after the infusion stopped. One patient exhibited hypotension during the esmolol infusion; this episode resolved without sequelae after discontinuation of esmolol. In summary, the effects of esmolol at rest on hemodynamic parameters and left ventricular function are similar to other beta‐adrenergic blocking agents. Due to its ultrashort half‐life, esmolol can be administered safely in critically ill patients whose disease status makes treatment with currently available beta blockers risky.