Is a Generic Version of Brevibloc Available?
Brevibloc® (
esmolol hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of medications known as
beta blockers. It is a very short-acting medication that is given by IV in emergency situations or during surgery in order to control rapid heart rates, irregular heart rhythms, and
high blood pressure.
Brand-name Brevibloc is made by Baxter Healthcare Corporation. The patents for this medication have expired, however, and generic versions of Brevibloc are now available.
Strengths of Generic Brevibloc
Generic Brevibloc is available in one strength -- esmolol hydrochloride 10 mg per mL in 10 mL vials. The other strengths or forms of Brevibloc (20 mg per mL or the ready-to-use IV bags) are not available in generic form at this time.
Who Makes the Generic Versions?
A few different companies make a generic version of Brevibloc, such as:
- APP Pharmaceuticals, LLC
- Bedford Laboratories
- Bioniche Pharma.
Is Generic Esmolol as Good as Brevibloc?
All generic medications must undergo certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generics are equivalent to the brand-name medications and assigns each generic a rating. An "AP" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. All of the generic esmolol versions currently available have an "AP" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to Brevibloc.
However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than the brand-name medication. This might include fillers or dyes or other ingredients that may cause problems for people with
allergies or sensitivities.
