Drug Category
Beta Blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blockers, are a class of medications which are largely used for the treatment of hypertension or other cardiovascular disease. They are sympatholytic drugs meaning they reduce the effects of the sympathetic nervous system on the heart, blood vessels, and other structures such as the lungs. (Burchum and Rosenthal, 2016, p. 507) Atenolol, Metoprolol, and Propranolol are all examples of beta blockers. Beta-adenergic blockers are competitive antagonists; they block the beta receptors of the neurotransmitters for epinephrine and norepinephrine. Various drugs in this class differ in their specific effects on the beta receptors, modes of action and duration of effect.
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Mechanism of Action
Beta blockers work in four different ways:
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Indications
Below are some of the conditions that indicate use of a beta blocker may be therapeutic:
Contraindications
When are beta blockers not a good idea?
Contraindicated in asthma patients as they can cause bronchospasms due to bronchodilation.
Contraindicated in COPD, heart failure, heart block, or bradycardia patients due to reduced cardiac output.
Contraindicated in diabetics because they can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia..
Because of its cardiac and pulmonary effects, Propranolol is contraindicated for patients with asthma, sinus bradycardia, high-degree heart block, and heart failure.
(Pozzi, 2000)
Contraindicated in asthma patients as they can cause bronchospasms due to bronchodilation.
Contraindicated in COPD, heart failure, heart block, or bradycardia patients due to reduced cardiac output.
Contraindicated in diabetics because they can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia..
Because of its cardiac and pulmonary effects, Propranolol is contraindicated for patients with asthma, sinus bradycardia, high-degree heart block, and heart failure.
(Pozzi, 2000)