Drug interactions
Esmolol + Ketamine
Severity: Moderate
Esmolol and Ketamine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Ketamine usually raises heart rate and blood pressure through sympathetic stimulation, which esmolol can blunt. In catecholamine-depleted or critically ill patients, ketamine's direct myocardial depression may be unmasked and cause hypotension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Esmolol and Ketamine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Esmolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Ketamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Beta-blockade opposes ketamine's sympathomimetic effects and may unmask its direct myocardial depressant effects.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate continuously and titrate esmolol and ketamine to hemodynamic response.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Esmolol
- Acebutolol + Esmolol Major
- Amifostine + Esmolol Major
- Amiodarone + Esmolol Major
- Celiprolol + Esmolol Major
- Diltiazem + Esmolol Major
- Epinephrine racemic + Esmolol Major
Other interactions of Ketamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Esmolol with Ketamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Esmolol and Ketamine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Ketamine usually raises heart rate and blood pressure through sympathetic stimulation, which esmolol can blunt. In catecholamine-depleted or critically ill patients, ketamine's direct myocardial depression may be unmasked and cause hypotension.
How serious is the interaction between Esmolol and Ketamine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure and heart rate continuously and titrate esmolol and ketamine to hemodynamic response.
What other medicines interact with Esmolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Esmolol with, for example, Acebutolol, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Esmolol page.
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