Beta Blockers

Introduction
Illustrated mechanism of action
Examples of Medication Brand Names (with Images)
Indication
Side Effects
Precautions & Contraindications
Monographs
Reference

Introduction

Since their introduction over five decades ago, beta-blockers have revolutionized the landscape of cardiovascular medicine.The inception of beta blockers dates back to the 1960s when Sir James Black pioneered the discovery of propranolol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist. This breakthrough marked a pivotal moment in medical history, the beginning of an era of beta-blockers and laying the foundation for subsequent drug development in this classBeta-blockers are drugs that can lower stress on the heart and blood vessels by blocking the action of adrenaline. They can also help manage migraine, anxiety, tremor, and other conditions.

Illustrated mechanism of action

Medication Brand Names

Propranolol

Metolol (Metoprolol)

Ateno (Atenolol)

Bisoprolol

Carvid (Carvedilol)

Labetalol

Nebivolol

Betacor (Sotalol)

Brevibloc (Esmolol)

Timolol

Nadolol

Visken (Pindolol)

Indication

Beta-blockers are indicated and have FDA approval for the treatment of tachycardia, hypertension, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, hyperthyroidism, essential tremor, aortic dissection, portal hypertension, glaucoma, migraine prophylaxis, and other conditions. They are also used to treat less common conditions such as long QT syndrome and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Side Effects

Common or mild beta blocker side effects include:

Low blood pressure

Slow heart rate

Fatigue

Dizziness

Nausea

Constipation

Erectile dysfunction

Decreased sex drive

Insomnia

Nightmares or vivid dreams