Beta Blockers are used to decrease high blood pressure which in turn decreases risks. Common Beta Blocker drugs include:
- Atenolol
- Metoprolol
- Propranolol
- Bisoprolol
- Carvedilol
- Esmolol
- Labetalol
- Sotalol
What are Beta Blockers?
Beta Blockers are prescription only drugs given for a multitude of problems, including high blood pressure.
What do Beta Blockers do?
Beta Blockers work to decrease high blood pressure by reducing the level of output by the heart. Different Beta Blockers work slightly better in some areas than other Beta Blockers. Beta Blockers that block Beta 1 receptors more (Atenolol) are more effective on the heart than Beta Blockers that have a greater effect on Beta 2 receptors.
How do I take Beta Blockers?
A general range of the doses are listed below. These doses are intended just as a guide however some drug treatments may differ to this because of many contributing factors.
Atenolol (Atehexal®, Tenormin®, Noten®, Tensig®, or Anselol®)
Given 25-100mg
daily
Metoprolol (Betaloc®)
Initially 50-100 mg is given once daily, increasing to 50-100mg once or twice daily after one week.
Propranolol (Deralin® or Inderal®)
Initially 20-40mg is given twice daily. It can be increased to 120-320mg in 2-3 divided doses.
Labetalol (Presolol®)
Initially 100mg is given, increasing to between 200 and 400mg twice daily.
Carvedilol (Dilatrend®)
Initially given 12.5 mg each day for two days. Usually given 25mg but can be increased slowly to 50mg each day in 2-3 divided doses.
What are the side effects of Beta Blockers?
All drugs have side effects and Beta Blockers are no different. The most common side effects people experience are:
- Feeling sick
- Diarrhea
- Coughing
- Sleeping problems
- Cold extremities
- Low blood pressure
- Heart block
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Decreased concentration
- Depression
Less common side effects include:
- Rashes
- Cramps
- Decreased sexual ability
- Increased urine withholding
Rare effects are:
- Increased sensitivities
- Different liver function
- Cardiac arrest
Cautions
Beta Blockers are not usually given to you by your doctor if you suffer from:
- Asthma or other airways diseases
- A slow heart beat
- Shock
- Uncontrolled heart failure
- Sick Sinus Syndrome
Beta Blockers should only be given with caution if you have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Vascular disease
- Anaphylactic reactions
- Pregnancy
What drugs interfere with Beta Blockers?
Tell your health professional all the medications you are taking. The following drugs can interfere with your Beta Blocker treatment:
- Verapamil
- NSAIDs
- Quinine
- Adrenaline
- Beta 2 agonists
- Ergot alkaloids
- Clonidine
- Isoprenaline
Other Information
- Before you start taking Beta Blockers try and fix other problems you also may have.
- If you find you have a low heart rate, the dose of diuretics, or water tablets, are usually decreased first, before decreasing the dose of Beta Blockers
- If your heart rate falls below 55 beats each minute then you should think about lowering your dose of Beta Blockers.
- Do not stop medication abruptly, instead decrease the dose slowly.
- Take care standing up suddenly. Beta Blockers can make you tired and drowsy, particularly at the beginning of treatment or when doses are increased. If you feel these effects, you should not operate or drive machinery.
What to do if you miss a dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. If it is not almost time for the next dose, take the dose as you would normally, and then go back to taking it as you would normally. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one that you missed.