Esmolol is the preferred beta-blocker for controlling heart rate during intraoperative tachycardia because:
- A It is the only beta-blocker with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity
- B It has an ultra-short half-life (~9 minutes) due to ester hydrolysis by red cell esterases ✓
- C It is a non-selective beta-blocker with membrane-stabilizing activity
- D It undergoes extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism
Correct answer: B. It has an ultra-short half-life (~9 minutes) due to ester hydrolysis by red cell esterases
Explanation
Esmolol is a cardioselective (beta-1 selective) IV beta-blocker with an exceptionally short half-life of approximately 9 minutes. It is rapidly hydrolyzed by esterases present in red blood cells, making its action easily titratable and reversible — ideal for acute intraoperative or perioperative settings where rapid on/off control is essential. It does not have intrinsic sympathomimetic activity and is not metabolized hepatically.
Reference: KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.