Bretylium
Bretylium is an antiarrhythmic agent historically used for the acute management of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, particularly ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. It was administered intravenously in emergency or critical care settings when other treatments were ineffective. Note: This medication has been largely discontinued in many countries due to availability of safer alternatives.
Bretylium is an older antiarrhythmic medication for severe ventricular arrhythmias, now rarely used due to the availability of safer options.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 19685
- Generic
- Bretylium
- Class
- unclassified
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Acute treatment of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, particularly when refractory to other therapies.
Bretylium initially causes release of norepinephrine from sympathetic nerve terminals (resulting in brief hypertension), then blocks further norepinephrine release, reducing sympathetic tone and helping to stabilize cardiac rhythm.
This medication is rarely used today due to significant side effects including severe hypotension, nausea, and vomiting. It has been largely replaced by safer antiarrhythmics like amiodarone. Administration requires careful hemodynamic monitoring. Use during pregnancy should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy