CHF and arrhythmias:
Indications for: BREVIBLOC
Rapid control of ventricular rate in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in perioperative, postoperative, or other emergent circumstances where short term control of ventricular rate with a short-acting agent is desirable. Noncompensatory sinus tachycardia where, in the physician’s judgment, the rapid heart rate requires specific intervention. For the short-term treatment of tachycardia and hypertension that occur during induction and tracheal intubation, during surgery, on emergence from anesthesia, and in the postoperative period, when in the physician’s judgment such specific intervention is considered indicated.
Adult Dosage:
Supraventricular tachycardia or noncompensatory sinus tachycardia (Step-wise dosing): Initial loading dose: 500mcg/kg infused over 1min followed by maintenance infusion of 50mcg/kg/min for the next 4mins; if needed, may continue maintenance infusion at 50mcg/kg/min or increase step-wise (eg, 100mcg/kg/min, 150mcg/kg/min, to max 200mcg/kg/min) with each step being maintained for 4mins. Effective maintenance dose (continuous or step-wise): 50–200mcg/kg/min (although, doses as low as 25mcg/kg/min have been adequate); infusions may be continued for up to 48hrs. Intraoperative and postoperative tachycardia and hypertension (Immediate control): 1mg/kg bolus dose over 30secs followed by 150mcg/kg/min infusion, if necessary; (Gradual control): 500mcg/kg bolus dose over 1min followed by 4-min maintenance infusion of 50mcg/kg/min. May adjust infusion rate as required up to max 200mcg/kg/min for tachycardia or max 300mcg/kg/min for hypertension. Once adequate control of HR and a stable clinical status is achieved, may transition to alternative antiarrhythmic drugs. Transition to alternative drug: reduce Brevibloc dose by ½ after 30mins following the first dose of the alternative drug; discontinue Brevibloc if satisfactory control is maintained for the first hour after administering the second dose of the alternative drug.
Children Dosage:
Not established.
BREVIBLOC Contraindications:
Severe sinus bradycardia. Heart block >1st degree. Sick sinus syndrome. Decompensated heart failure. Cardiogenic shock. Concomitant IV calcium channel antagonists (eg, verapamil) in close proximity. Pulmonary hypertension.
BREVIBLOC Warnings/Precautions:
Hemodynamically compromised. Increased risk for bradycardia (in those with 1st degree AV block, sinus node dysfunction, or conduction disorders). Discontinue and initiate supportive care at the 1st sign/symptom of impending cardiac failure. Vasoconstriction associated with hypothermia. Reactive airways disease: not recommended. Discontinue immediately if bronchospasm occurs. Increased risk for hypoglycemia esp. in diabetics or those who are fasting (eg, surgery, not eating regularly, or vomiting). Avoid infusions into small veins or through a butterfly catheter. Avoid extravasation. Prinzmetal’s angina. Pheochromocytoma. Hypovolemic. Peripheral circulatory disorders (eg, Raynaud’s disease or syndrome, peripheral occlusive vascular disease). Metabolic acidosis. Hyperthyroidism. Hyperkalemia. Monitor serum electrolytes during therapy. Avoid abrupt cessation. Monitor for myocardial ischemia, thyrotoxicosis when discontinuing treatment. Renal impairment. Elderly. Labor & delivery. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers: not recommended.
See Also:
BREVIBLOC Classification:
Cardioselective beta-blocker.
BREVIBLOC Interactions:
Increased risk of cardiac failure with concomitant drugs that decrease peripheral resistance, myocardial filling or contractility, or electrical impulse propagation in the myocardium. May be potentiated by catecholamine-depleting drugs (eg, reserpine). Caution with digoxin, succinylcholine, verapamil. Concomitant dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine: not recommended. Increased risk for withdrawal rebound hypertension with clonidine, guanfacine, or moxonidine. Antagonized by sympathomimetic drugs.
Adverse Reactions:
Symptomatic hypotension (hyperhidrosis, dizziness), asymptomatic hypotension, infusion site reactions (inflammation, induration), nausea, somnolence; hypersensitivity reactions.
Drug Elimination:
Renal (73–88%). Half-life: ~9 minutes.
Total body clearance: ~20 L/hr.
Generic Drug Availability:
YES
How Supplied:
Inj (10mL ready-to-use vials)—25; Premixed inj (250mL ready-to-use IntraVia Bags)—1; Premixed Double Strength Inj (100mL ready-to-use IntraVia Bags)—1
