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Esmolol

Prescription

Ultra-Short-Acting Cardioselective Beta-1 Blocker

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

1 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Selective beta-1 antagonist with ultra-short half-life (~9 min) due to rapid ester hydrolysis. Ideal for acute rate control in tachyarrhythmias.

At a glance

Class

Ultra-Short-Acting Cardioselective Beta-1 Blocker

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature; stable 24h after dilution

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for acute SVT, atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response

Dose

0.05–0.5 mg/kg

Route

IV bolus + CRI

Frequency

Continuous

🐈

Cat

Used for acute feline tachyarrhythmias

Dose

0.05–0.5 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Continuous

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature; stable 24h after dilution

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Continuous ECGBlood pressure q5 min during titrationHeart rateRespiratory effort

Educational reference only

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Verapamil

contraindicated

IV beta-blocker + IV non-DHP calcium channel blocker: synergistic negative inotropy, chronotropy, dromotropy causing asystole or cardiac arrest.

Management: NEVER give IV esmolol and IV verapamil. Wait adequate time between if sequential use needed.

Major — 1

Diltiazem

major

Additive AV nodal depression and negative inotropy. Risk of severe bradycardia and heart failure.

Management: Avoid concurrent IV use. If both needed for SVT, use under cardiologist supervision with continuous ECG and have pacing available.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Brevibloc

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Esmolol?

Esmolol is a ultra-short-acting cardioselective beta-1 blocker used in pets. Selective beta-1 antagonist with ultra-short half-life (~9 min) due to rapid ester hydrolysis. Ideal for acute rate control in tachyarrhythmias.

›What is Esmolol used for in pets?

Esmolol is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for acute SVT, atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response; Used for acute feline tachyarrhythmias.

›What is the Esmolol dose for dogs?

For dogs, Esmolol is typically dosed as follows — Used for acute SVT, atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response: 0.05–0.5 mg/kg IV bolus + CRI Continuous. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Esmolol dose for cats?

For cats, Esmolol is typically dosed as follows — Used for acute feline tachyarrhythmias: 0.05–0.5 mg/kg IV Continuous. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Esmolol need a prescription?

Yes. Esmolol is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database