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Brevibloc In Plastic Container (ESMOLOL)
Brevibloc works by blocking the beta-1 adrenergic receptor, which reduces the heart's response to stress and increases heart rate.
ESMOLol (Brevibloc In Plastic Container), marketed by Pfizer, is a beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker primarily indicated for controlling ventricular rate in supraventricular tachycardia. Its key strength lies in its targeted mechanism of action, which effectively reduces the heart's response to stress and increases heart rate, setting it apart in the treatment of acute cardiac conditions. The primary risk is the upcoming key composition patent expiry in 2028, which could lead to increased competition from generics.
At a glance
| Generic name | ESMOLOL |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Pfizer |
| Drug class | beta-Adrenergic Blocker |
| Target | Beta-1 adrenergic receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1986 |
Mechanism of action
Esmolol hydrochloride is beta1-selective (cardioselective) adrenergic receptor blocking agent with rapid onset, very short duration of action, and no significant intrinsic sympathomimetic or membrane stabilizing activity at therapeutic dosages. Its elimination half-life after intravenous infusion is approximately minutes. Esmolol hydrochloride inhibits the beta1 receptors located chiefly in cardiac muscle, but this preferential effect is not absolute and at higher doses it begins to inhibit beta2 receptors located chiefly in the bronchial and vascular musculature.
Approved indications
- Control of ventricular rate in supraventricular tachycardia
- Control of heart rate in noncompensatory sinus tachycardia
- Control of perioperative tachycardia and hypertension
Common side effects
- Dizziness
- Somnolence
- Nausea
- Infusion site reactions
- Confusion
- Headache
- Agitation
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Paresthesia
- Asthenia
Drug interactions
- felodipine
Key clinical trials
- Opioid Free and Opioid Based Anesthesia in Elective Lumbar Spine Surgery
- POCUS-Guided Esmolol in Septic Shock: A Pilot RCT (PHASE1,PHASE2)
- Effect of MGRNOX-Guided General Anesthesia on Opioid Consumption in Patients (NA)
- Esmolol Versus Sufentanil on the Quality of Post-cholecystectomy Recovery Laparoscopic Anaesthesia With Orotracheal Intubation on an Outpatient Basis (PHASE4)
- Reduction of Edema With a Specialized Cocktail for Ultra-early Management in Intracerebral Hemorrhage (PHASE3)
- Age Comparisons of Exercising Muscle O2 Supply in Healthy Adults: Effects of Esmolol Infusion (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Opioids Continue to Play a Primary Role in the Management of Perioperative Pain Due to Opioid-Free Anesthesia in Open Heart Surgery.
- Effect of Opioid-free Anaesthesia on Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Surgery (PHASE4)
Patents
| Patent | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
| FDA Orange Book | Patents + exclusivity |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Brevibloc In Plastic Container CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Brevibloc In Plastic Container updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Pfizer portfolio CI