Description

This group of medicines is known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, beta-blocking agents, or, more commonly, beta-blockers. Beta-blockers are used in the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). Some beta-blockers are also used to relieve angina (chest pain) and in heart attack patients to help prevent additional heart attacks. Beta-blockers are also used to correct irregular heartbeat, prevent migraine headaches, and treat tremors. They may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Beta-blockers work by affecting the response to some nerve impulses in certain parts of the body. As a result, they decrease the heart’s need for blood and oxygen by reducing its workload. They also help the heart to beat more regularly.

 

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents are available only with your doctor’s prescription, in the following dosage forms:

 
• Oral Acebutolol       o Capsules (U.S.)       o Tablets (Canada)  
• Atenolol       o Tablets (U.S. and Canada)  
• Betaxolol       o Tablets (U.S.)  
• Bisoprolol       o Tablets (U.S.)  
• Carteolol       o Tablets (U.S.)  
• Labetalol       o Tablets (U.S. and Canada)  
• Metoprolol       o Tablets (U.S. and Canada)       o Extended-release tablets (U.S. and Canada)  
• Nadolol       o Tablets (U.S. and Canada)  
• Oxprenolol       o Tablets (Canada)       o Extended-release tablets (Canada)  
• Penbutolol       o Tablets (U.S.)  
• Pindolol       o Tablets (U.S. and Canada)  
• Propranolol       o Extended-release capsules (U.S. and Canada)       o Oral solution (U.S.)       o Tablets (U.S. and Canada)  
• Sotalol       o Tablets (U.S. and Canada)  
• Timolol       o Tablets (U.S. and Canada)  
• Parenteral Atenolol       o Injection (U.S.)  
• Labetalol       o Injection (U.S. and Canada)  
• Metoprolol       o Injection (U.S. and Canada)  
• Propranolol       o Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For the beta-blockers, the following should be considered:

Allergies- Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to the beta-blocker medicine prescribed. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy- Use of some beta-blockers during pregnancy has been associated with low blood sugar, breathing problems, a lower heart rate, and low blood pressure in the newborn infant. Other reports have not shown unwanted effects on the newborn infant. Animal studies have shown some beta-blockers to cause problems in pregnancy when used in doses many times the usual human dose. Before taking any of these medicines, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding- It is not known whether bisoprolol, carteolol, or penbutolol passes into breast milk. All other beta-blockers pass into breast milk. Problems such as slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, and trouble in breathing have been reported in nursing babies. Mothers who are taking beta-blockers and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children- Some of these medicines have been used in children and, in effective doses, have not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in children than they do in adults.

Older adults- Some side effects are more likely to occur in the elderly, who are usually more sensitive to the effects of beta-blockers. Also, beta-blockers may reduce tolerance to cold temperatures in elderly patients.

Other medicines- Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking or receiving a beta-blocker it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

 
• Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) or  
• Allergen extracts for skin testing- Beta-blockers may increase the risk of serious allergic reaction to these medicines  
• Aminophylline (e.g., Somophyllin) or  
• Caffeine (e.g., NoDoz) or  
• Dyphylline (e.g., Lufyllin) or  
• Oxtriphylline (e.g., Choledyl) or  
• Theophylline (e.g., Somophyllin-T)- The effects of both these medicines and beta-blockers may be blocked; in addition, theophylline levels in the body may be increased, especially in patients who smoke  
• Antidiabetics, oral (diabetes medicine you take by mouth) or  
• Insulin- There is an increased risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar); beta-blockers may cover up certain symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) such as increases in pulse rate and blood pressure, and may make the hypoglycemia last longer  
• Calcium channel blockers (bepridil [e.g., Bepadin], diltiazem [e.g., Cardizem], felodipine [e.g., Plendil], flunarizine [e.g., Sibelium], isradipine [e.g., DynaCirc], nicardipine [e.g., Cardene], nifedipine [e.g., Procardia], nimodipine [e.g., Nimotop], verapamil [e.g., Calan]) or  
• Clonidine (e.g., Catapres) or  
• Guanabenz (e.g., Wytensin)- Effects on blood pressure may be increased. In addition, unwanted effects may occur if clonidine, guanabenz, or a beta-blocker is stopped suddenly after use together. Unwanted effects on the heart may occur when beta-blockers are used with calcium channel blockers  
• Cocaine- Cocaine may block the effects of beta-blockers; in addition, there is an increased risk of high blood pressure, fast heartbeat, and possibly heart problems if you use cocaine while taking a beta-blocker  
• Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor activity (isocarboxazid [e.g., Marplan], isocarboxazid [e.g., Marplan], phenelzine [e.g., Nardil], procarbazine [e.g., Matulane], selegiline [e.g., Eldepryl], tranylcypromine [e.g., Parnate])- Taking beta-blockers while you are taking or within 2 weeks of taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors may cause severe high blood pressure

Other medical problems- The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of the beta blockers. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

 
• Allergy, history of (asthma, eczema, hay fever, hives), or  
• Bronchitis or  
• Emphysema- Severity and duration of allergic reactions to other substances may be increased; in addition, beta-blockers can increase trouble in breathing  
• Bradycardia (unusually slow heartbeat) or  
• Heart or blood vessel disease- There is a risk of further decreased heart function; also, if treatment is stopped suddenly, unwanted effects may occur  
• Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes)- Beta-blockers may cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and circulation problems; in addition, if your diabetes medicine causes your blood sugar to be too low, beta-blockers may cover up some of the symptoms (fast heartbeat), although they will not cover up other symptoms such as dizziness or sweating  
• Kidney disease or  
• Liver disease- Effects of beta-blockers may be increased because of slower removal from the body  
• Major surgery- May increase risks of problems during surgery. Your doctor may want to stop your treatment with a beta-blocker prior to surgery.  
• Mental depression (or history of)- May be increased by beta-blockers  
• Myasthenia gravis or  
• Psoriasis- Beta-blockers may make these conditions worse  
• Overactive thyroid- Stopping beta-blockers suddenly may increase symptoms; beta-blockers may cover up fast heartbeat, which is a sign of overactive thyroid

Proper Use of This Medicine

For patients taking the extended-release capsule or tablet form of this medicine:

 
• Swallow the capsule or tablet whole.  
• Do not crush, break (except metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets, which may be broken in half), or chew before swallowing.

For patients taking the concentrated oral solution form of propranolol:

 
• This medicine is to be taken by mouth even though it comes in a dropper bottle. The amount you should take is to be measured only with the specially marked dropper.  
• Mix the medicine with some water, juice, or a carbonated drink. After drinking all the liquid containing the medicine, rinse the glass with a little more liquid and drink that also, to make sure you get all the medicine.If you prefer, you may mix this medicine with applesauce or pudding instead.  
• Mix the medicine immediately before you are going to take it. Throw away any mixed medicine that you do not take immediately. Do not save medicine that has been mixed.

Ask your doctor about checking your pulse rate before and after taking beta-blocking agents. If your doctor tells you to check your pulse regularly while you are taking this medicine, and it is much slower than the rate your doctor has designated, check with your doctor. A pulse rate that is too slow may cause circulation problems.

To help you remember to take your medicine, try to get into the habit of taking it at the same time each day.

For patients taking this medicine for high blood pressure :

 
• In addition to the use of the medicine your doctor has prescribed, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and care in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium. Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet.  
• Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. However, if high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease.  
• Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure but it does help control it. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed, even if you feel well. You must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. Also, it is very important to keep your appointments with your doctor, even if you feel well.

Missed dose-

Do not miss any doses. This is especially important when you are taking only one dose per day. Some conditions may become worse if this medicine is not taken regularly.

If you do miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is within 4 hours of your next dose (8 hours when using atenolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol, carteolol, labetalol, nadolol, penbutolol, sotalol, or extended-release [long-acting] metoprolol, oxprenolol, or propranolol), skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage-

To store this medicine:

 
• Keep out of the reach of children.  
• Store away from heat and direct light.  
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.  
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This is to make sure the medicine is working for you and to allow the dosage to be changed if needed.

Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping completely. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is stopped suddenly, and the danger of heart attack is increased in some patients.

Make sure that you have enough medicine on hand to last through weekends, holidays, or vacations. You may want to carry an extra written prescription in your billfold or purse in case of an emergency. You can then have it filled if you run out of medicine while you are away from home.

Tell your doctor right away if you have weight gain or increasing shortness of breath. These could be symptoms of worsening heart failure.

Your doctor may want you to carry medical identification stating that you are taking this medicine.

Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking this medicine.

For diabetic patients:

 
• This medicine may cause your blood sugar levels to rise. Also, this medicine may cover up signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as change in pulse rate.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert. If the problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

Beta-blockers may make you more sensitive to cold temperatures, especially if you have blood circulation problems. Beta-blockers tend to decrease blood circulation in the skin, fingers, and toes. Dress warmly during cold weather and be careful during prolonged exposure to cold, such as in winter sports.

Beta-blockers may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or a severe sunburn. When you begin taking this medicine:

 
• Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible.  
• Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses.  
• Apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number, especially if they have a fair complexion. If you have any questions about this, check your health care professional.  
• Apply a sun block lipstick that has an SPF of at least 15 to protect your lips.  
• Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth.  
• If you have a severe reaction from the sun, check with your doctor.

Chest pain resulting from exercise or physical exertion is usually reduced or prevented by this medicine. This may tempt a patient to be overly active. Make sure you discuss with your doctor a safe amount of exercise for your medical problem.

Before you have any medical tests, tell the doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.

Before you have any allergy shots, tell the doctor in charge that you are taking a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers may cause you to have a serious reaction to the allergy shot.

For patients with allergies to foods, medicines, or insect stings:

 
• There is a chance that this medicine will cause allergic reactions to be worse and harder to treat. If you have a severe allergic reaction while you are being treated with this medicine, check with a doctor right away so that it can be treated. Be sure to tell the doctor that you are taking a beta-blocker.

For patients taking this medicine for high blood pressure :

 
• Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.

For patients taking labetalol by mouth:

 
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. This is more likely to occur when you first start taking labetalol or when the dose is increased. Getting up slowly may help. When you get up from lying down, sit on the edge of the bed with your feet dangling for 1 to 2 minutes. Then stand up slowly. If the problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.  
• The dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting is also more likely to occur if you drink alcohol, stand for long periods of time, or exercise, or if the weather is hot. While you are taking this medicine, be careful to limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Also, use extra care during exercise or hot weather or if you must stand for long periods of time .

For patients receiving labetalol by injection:

 
• It is very important that you lie down flat while receiving labetalol and for up to 3 hours afterward. If you try to get up too soon, you may become dizzy or faint. Do not try to sit or stand until your doctor or nurse tells you to do so.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

 
• Less common       o Breathing difficulty and/or wheezing;  cold hands and feet;  mental depression;  shortness of breath;  slow heartbeat (especially less than 50 beats per minute);  swelling of ankles, feet, and/or lower legs  
• Rare       o Back pain or joint pain;  chest pain ;  confusion (especially in elderly patients);  dark urine- for acebutolol, bisoprolol, or labetalol;  dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position;  fever and sore throat;  hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there);  irregular heartbeat;  red, scaling, or crusted skin;  skin rash;  unusual bleeding and bruising;  yellow eyes or skin- for acebutolol, bisoprolol, or labetalol  
• Signs and symptoms of overdose (in the order in which they may occur)       o Slow heartbeat;  dizziness (severe) or fainting;  fast or irregular heartbeat;  difficulty in breathing;  bluish-colored fingernails or palms of hands;  convulsions (seizures) 

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

 
• More common       o Decreased sexual ability;  dizziness or lightheadedness;  drowsiness (slight);  trouble in sleeping;  unusual tiredness or weakness  
• Less common or rare       o Anxiety and/or nervousness;  changes in taste- for labetalol only;  constipation;  diarrhea;  dry, sore eyes;  frequent urination-for acebutolol and carteolol only;  itching of skin;  nausea or vomiting ;  nightmares and vivid dreams;  numbness and/or tingling of fingers and/or toes;  numbness and/or tingling of skin, especially on scalp-for labetalol only;  stomach discomfort;  stuffy nose

Although not all of the side effects listed above have been reported for all of these medicines, they have been reported for at least one of them. Since all of the beta-adrenergic blocking agents are very similar, any of the above side effects may occur with any of these medicines. However, they may be more or less common with some agents than with others.

After you have been taking a beta-blocker for a while, it may cause unpleasant or even harmful effects if you stop taking it too suddenly. After you stop taking this medicine or while you are gradually reducing the amount you are taking, check with your doctor right away if any of the following occur:

 
• Chest pain;  fast or irregular heartbeat ;  general feeling of discomfort or illness or weakness ;  headache;  shortness of breath (sudden);  sweating;  trembling

For patients taking labetalol:

 
• You may notice a tingling feeling on your scalp when you first begin to take labetalol. This is to be expected and usually goes away after you have been taking labetalol for a while.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Additional Information

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, some beta-blockers are used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:

 
• Glaucoma  
• Neuroleptic-induced akathisia (restlessness or the need to keep moving caused by some medicines used to treat nervousness or mental and emotional disorders)

Other than the above information, there is no additional information relating to proper use, precautions, or side effects for these uses.

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.-

 
• Betapace  
• Blocadren  
• Cartrol  
• Corgard  
• Inderal  
• Inderal LA  
• Kerlone  
• Levatol  
• Lopressor  
• Normodyne  
• Sectral  
• Tenormin  
• Toprol-XL  
• Trandate  
• Visken  
• Zebeta

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.