Final answer:
Esmolol has a short half-life due to rapid metabolism by red blood cell esterases, leading to its use in acute situations to control rapid heart rates. Its dosing is intravenous, manipulated based on the condition treated. It's indicated for conditions like supraventricular tachycardia and perioperative tachycardia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Esmolol is a medication with specific indications, metabolism, half-life, and dosing requirements that are important for healthcare professionals to understand. Esmolol's metabolism primarily involves rapid hydrolysis by esterases in red blood cells, leading to a short half-life of about 9 minutes, making it suitable for acute uses rather than chronic treatment. Its dosing varies based on the condition being treated, but it is often administered intravenously due to its short half-life.
Specific indications for esmolol include controlling rapid heart rates in conditions such as supraventricular tachycardia, perioperative tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation or flutter. Due to its pharmacokinetics, esmolol allows for rapid titration to the desired effect and quick discontinuation if necessary.