Beta blockers

About

Beta blockers work mainly by slowing down the heart. They do this by blocking the action of hormones like adrenaline. Beta blockers usually come as tablets. They are prescription-only medicines, which means they can only be prescribed by a GP or another suitably qualified healthcare professional. Commonly used beta blockers include: atenolol (also called Tenormin) bisoprolol (also called Cardicor or Emcor) carvedilol labetalol (also called Trandate) metoprolol (also called Betaloc or Lopresor) propranolol (also called Inderal or Angilol) sotalol Beta blockers may be used to treat: angina – chest pain caused by narrowing of the arteries supplying the heart heart failure – failure of the heart to pump enough blood around the body atrial fibrillation – irregular heartbeat heart attack – an emergency where the blood supply to the heart is suddenly blocked high blood pressure – when other medicines have been tried, or in addition to other medicines Less commonly, beta blockers are used to prevent migraine or treat: an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) anxiety tremor glaucoma – as eyedrops There are several types of beta blocker, and each one has its own characteristics. The type prescribed for you will depend on your health condition. Beta blockers are not suitable for everyone. Tell your doctor if you have: uncontrolled heart failure had an allergic reaction to a beta blocker or any other medicine in the past low blood pressure or certain conditions that affect the rhythm of your heart metabolic acidosis – when there's too much acid in your blood lung disease or asthma Tell your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding. It's important not to stop taking beta blockers without seeking your doctor's advice. In some cases, suddenly stopping the medicine may make your health condition worse. There are some medicines that may interfere with the way that beta blockers work, including beta blocker eyedrops. Tell your doctor if you're tak