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BETA-BLOCKERS - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Drug/Brand Name
Acebutolol: ACB, Sectral
Alprenolol: Aptin CR
Atenolol: Ansolol, Apo-Atenolol, Loten, Tenormin
Celiprolol: Selectol
Labetolol: Hybloc, Trandate
Metoprolol: Betaloc CR, Lopressor
Nadolol: Apo-Nadolol, Corgard
Oxprenolol: Captol, Trasicor
Pindolol: Apo-Pindolol, Pindol, Visken, Vypen
Propranolol: Angilol, Apo-Propranolol, Cardinol, Inderal
Sotalol: Pacific, Sotacor
Timolol: Apo-Timolol, Hypermol, Tilmat, Blocadre
Use: Beta-adrenoreceptor blocking agents
This group of medicines are used for hypertension (high
blood pressure), angina (chest pain), after myocardial infarction
(heart attack) and arrhythmias (heart irregularities). Other
uses include anxiety, prevention of migraine, glaucoma and
thyrotoxicosis (to control the symptoms).
They have been extensively studied and shown to decrease
the risk of stroke other complications in patients with
high blood pressure. They have been shown to reduce the
risk of death and further problems after a heart attack.
Beta-blockers work by reducing the heart rate and dilate
blood vessels through blocking adrenoreceptors. However,
they also have unwanted problems including bronchospasm
and for this reason should not be used in asthmatics. This
is often taken into consideration before prescribing a beta-blocker
to treat your condition by the doctor.
Cautions
Asthma (don't use) and lung problems
Hypersensitivity conditions (worsen allergens)
Heart failure, myasthenia gravis
Diabetics (may affect glucose control)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Abrupt withdrawal in angina
Metabolic acidosis, anaesthesia
Liver and kidney impairment
Side effects
Occasional: cold extremities, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth,
bronchospasm.
Rarely: skin rash, hair loss, stomach upset, dry eyes,
heart problems
Interactions
Enhanced effects seen with ACE inhibitors, alcohol, anaesthetics,
anti-arrhythmics, antihistamines, antidepressants, calcium-channel
blockers, diuretics, antihypertensives, antibacterials,
anxiolytics, antipsychotics and some other medicines.
Oral contraceptives, HRT, corticosteroids, analgesics,
adrenaline can antagonise effects.
Patient information
Follow the instructions on the label of this medicine.
Do not stop taking this medicine except on your doctor's
advice.
It can be dangerous to suddenly stop B-blockers, especially
in the presence of heart problems.
Alcohol: restrict intake due to enhanced hypotensive effect
(dizziness).
Avoid taking other medicines unless directed by your doctor/pharmacist.
Contact your doctor or seek medical attention if side effects
are severe or ongoing.
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