Brevibloc belongs to a group of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, more often known as
beta blockers. As the name implies, these medications block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the heart and blood vessels. Stress hormones (such as adrenaline) bind to these receptors and cause certain reactions in the body, such as:
By blocking beta receptors, Brevibloc causes the reverse effect of stress hormones and reduces blood pressure and heart rate. It is also important to note that Brevibloc is more likely to block beta-1 receptors (such as those in the heart), opposed to beta-2 receptors (such as those found in the lungs). This can theoretically make the medication safer than other beta blockers for people with breathing problems such as
asthma.
Brevibloc is very rapid and short-acting, making it ideal for use in emergency situations when immediate (but temporary) treatment of rapid heart rates or
hypertension is necessary.
Can Children Use Brevibloc?
Brevibloc is not approved for children. Talk with your child's healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using Brevibloc in children.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Brevibloc for something other than the conditions discussed in this article. At this time, however, there are no universally accepted
off-label uses for Brevibloc.
Brevibloc is also approved to
treat high blood pressure or rapid heart rate that occurs during or after surgery. Sometimes the body responds to surgery (or the anesthetic procedures or medications) by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure. If the healthcare provider decides that these problems need treatment (which is not always the case), Brevibloc can rapidly correct
high blood pressure or a rapid heart rate.
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