Beta blockers are prescription medications used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Some of the most common uses of beta blockers include (but are not limited to):
There are several different beta blocker medications, some of which are used frequently and some of which are used rarely. Some are "cardioselective" (meaning they are more likely to affect the heart and blood vessels rather than other parts of the body), some have "intrinsic sympathomimetic activity" (meaning they slightly stimulate beta receptors while also blocking them), and some are alpha blockers as well as beta blockers.
(Click List of Beta Blockers for a description of the medications in this category that are currently available in the United States.)
The full name for beta blockers is actually "beta-adrenergic blocking agents." As the name implies, these medications work by blocking 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:
It is not entirely clear how beta blockers work to prevent
migraines or to improve survival after a
heart attack. It is thought that they are probably useful for treating performance
anxiety by preventing a racing heart. Beta blockers work for treating irregular and/or rapid heart rhythms by slowing down the conduction of the electrical signals in the heart. Beta blockers work for
glaucoma (to lower the pressure in the eye) by decreasing the amount of fluid produced by the eye (known as aqueous humor).
When and How to Take Beta Blockers
Some general considerations include the following:
- Beta blockers come in several different forms, such as tablets, capsules, long-acting tablets or capsules, eye drops, and IV injections.
- Depending on the particular beta blocker and the particular use, they are usually taken one to three times a day.
- For most beta blockers, it does not matter if you take them with a meal or on an empty stomach (although a few beta blockers should be taken with a meal).
- For these medications to work properly, they must be taken as prescribed. They will not work if you stop taking them.
- In general, these medications should not suddenly be stopped, as serious problems (including heart attacks) may result.
The dose your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular beta blocker
- The medical condition being treated
- How you respond to the medication
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you have.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Beta Blocker Side Effects
As with any medicine, beta blockers may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drugs will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate them quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click Beta Blocker Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Beta blockers can potentially interact with a number of other medications (for more information about the specific drug interactions for each individual beta blocker, see the specific drug within eMedTV).
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Beta Blockers?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking a beta blocker if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
An overdose is likely to cause dangerously low
blood pressure (hypotension), a slow heart rate (bradycardia), and other serious problems. If you happen to overdose on a beta blocker, seek immediate medical attention.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Beta Blockers?
For most beta blockers in most situations, if you forget to take your dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
