Beta blockers: What They Do, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Beta blockers are prescription medicines that slow the heart and lower blood pressure. They are used to treat high blood pressure, angina, some heart rhythm problems and heart failure. Common examples are metoprolol and bisoprolol. They should never be stopped suddenly without a doctor's advice, because the condition can get worse.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do Beta blockers work?
Beta blockers block the effect of adrenaline and similar hormones on the heart. The heart then beats more slowly and with less force, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the work the heart has to do.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to Beta blockers. They are listed A to Z.
- Bisoprolol: Bisoprolol is a prescription beta blocker that slows the heart and lowers blood pressure.
Common questions
Can I stop a beta blocker suddenly?
No. Stopping suddenly can make the heart condition or blood pressure worse. Talk to your doctor before making any change. If the medicine needs to be stopped, the doctor usually lowers the dose gradually.
Can people with asthma take beta blockers?
Beta blockers can make breathing problems such as asthma worse, so a doctor weighs this carefully. Tell your doctor about any asthma or wheeze before you start, and report new breathlessness or wheezing at once.
Do beta blockers affect diabetes?
They can hide some warning signs of low blood sugar, such as a fast heartbeat. People with diabetes should tell their doctor they take one and check blood sugar as advised.
Sources
- Bisoprolol: a medicine for high blood pressure and heart problems. NHS (UK)
- Metoprolol: a medicine for high blood pressure and heart problems. NHS (UK)
- Metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets: prescribing information (Granules India). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- ATC/DDD Index: C07AB Beta blocking agents, selective. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission