Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesHow They WorkExamplesSide EffectsWho Should Avoid Them?PrecautionsPros vs. ConsAlternatives
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
How They Work
Examples
Side Effects
Who Should Avoid Them?
Precautions
Pros vs. Cons
Alternatives
Beta-blockers are a class of prescription medications commonly used to treat conditions related to your heart and blood vessels. For example, your healthcare provider may prescribe a beta-blocker to help lower your blood pressure or treatheart failure.
Beta-blockers are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 22% of older Americans (ages 60 to 79) take a beta-blocker forhigh blood pressureor heart disease.
Some commonly prescribed beta-blockers are Lopressor (metoprolol), Tenormin (atenolol), and Coreg (carvedilol).
This article will discuss the uses and types of beta-blockers, how they work, how to take them safely, and their advantages versus disadvantages.
Getty Images / Tatiana Maksimova
Most beta-blockers are used to treat heart conditions, including:
Beta-blockers are also approved for other uses unrelated to your heart or blood vessels. These include:
Off-Label Uses
In addition to their Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved uses, sometimes beta-blockers are prescribed to treat conditions that differ from what the drug was initially approved to treat. This is called off-label use.
Certain beta-blockers are sometimes used off-label to treat:
Do Beta-Blockers Work for Anxiety?
How Do They Work?
When activated, adrenaline sends messages to increase heart rate, blood pressure, and the force with which the heart beats.
Beta-blockers attach to sites on cells called receptors that block the action of adrenaline. By blocking adrenaline, beta-blockers reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decrease the force with which your heart pumps blood.
What Are Beta-Receptors and What Do They Do?
To work, beta-blockers must attach to sites throughout your body called beta-receptors. Different types of beta-receptors are located in several areas of your body and have various functions when activated.
Beta-1 Receptors
Beta-1 receptors are typically found in the heart and kidneys. Activating this type of receptor results in:
Beta-blockers that target beta-1 receptors help slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, and relieve chest pain.
Beta-2 Receptors
Beta-2 receptors are mainly located in the smooth muscle of your respiratory system, blood vessels, and nervous system.
Other medications that target beta-2 receptors in the lungs are typically used to treat breathing conditions, such asasthmaandchronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These drugs are not beta-blockers. Instead, they activate beta-receptors in the lungs.
Beta-3 Receptors
Beta-3 receptors are found in fat cells and your bladder. Activating beta-3 receptors results in fat cell breakdown and relaxation of your bladder. Because activating this receptor may also cause tremors, many medications don’t target beta-3 receptors.
The table below shows examples of commonly prescribed beta-blockers and their uses.
What Are the Side Effects?
As with all medications, beta-blockers may cause side effects in some people.
Side effects may vary based on which beta-blocker you take. But in general, many beta-blockers have similar common side effects. These can include:
In rare cases, beta-blockers may cause serious side effects, such as:
These lists do not reflect all the potential side effects of beta-blockers. Your healthcare provider can answer questions about side effects specific to your treatment and condition.
Who Shouldn’t Take Beta-Blockers?
Beta-blockers may not be for everyone. They may worsen or negatively affect certain health conditions.
Before you start taking a beta-blocker, let your healthcare provider know if:
What to Avoid When Taking Beta-Blockers
Some medications may negatively affect beta-blockers. They may increase the risk of side effects from beta-blockers or affect how well they work.
Let your healthcare provider know if you take:
Your healthcare provider can help you decide if beta-blockers are a safe option for you.
In some cases, they may adjust the dose of your beta-blocker or another medication to reduce your risk of side effects. They may also monitor you more closely to check that your medications are working properly.
Advantages and Disadvantages
As with all medications, beta-blockers have benefits and drawbacks.
If your healthcare provider is considering prescribing a beta-blocker, they’ll likely discuss some of the drug’s advantages and disadvantages with you. Below are a few examples.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Beta-BlockersProsEffective in treating several conditionsMost common side effects are mildGenerally inexpensiveCan potentially be lifesaving after a heart attackConsMay cause sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunctionMay worsen depressionMay worsen certain heart rhythm conditionsMust be used cautiously or not at all if you have diabetes or asthma
Advantages and Disadvantages of Beta-Blockers
ProsEffective in treating several conditionsMost common side effects are mildGenerally inexpensiveCan potentially be lifesaving after a heart attack
Effective in treating several conditions
Most common side effects are mild
Generally inexpensive
Can potentially be lifesaving after a heart attack
ConsMay cause sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunctionMay worsen depressionMay worsen certain heart rhythm conditionsMust be used cautiously or not at all if you have diabetes or asthma
May cause sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction
May worsen depression
May worsen certain heart rhythm conditions
Must be used cautiously or not at all if you have diabetes or asthma
Below are examples of medications your healthcare provider may prescribe instead of beta-blockers. They may also suggest other natural methods and lifestyle changes to help keep your heart healthy.
Drugs That Slow Heart Rate and Lower Blood Pressure
Beta-blockers slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure. The following medications are beta-blocker alternatives that can have the same effects:
Natural Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure
Some supplements and herbs are thought to act like beta-blockers. In some studies, they have been found effective in reducing blood pressure or regulating heart rhythm.
However, it’s important to remember these drugs should not be used as a substitute for healthy lifestyle changes or medication if necessary.
Examples include:
It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements or herbs. Many of them have side effects or interact with other medications. Your pharmacist or provider can let you know if any of these are safe for you to take.
Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Blood Pressure
Even if you take beta-blockers or other medications to help lower your blood pressure or manage your heart condition, you can also implement healthy lifestyle changes to help keep your heart healthy.
The American Heart Association recommends the following lifestyle changes to help with healthy weight loss, which can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart-related conditions:
Summary
Beta-blockers are commonly prescribed to help lower blood pressure and slow down heart rate. Some beta-blockers are also approved to treat other conditions, such as glaucoma and migraine headaches.
Examples of beta-blockers include Toprol XL (metoprolol), Inderal LA (propranolol), and Timoptic (timolol).
Most common side effects of beta-blockers are mild. However, beta-blockers may worsen certain health conditions, including asthma, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and depression. They may also interact with some medications, such as NSAIDs and medications for diabetes.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you want to learn more about beta-blockers. They can help you decide whether these drugs are effective and safe for your condition.
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