Beta Blocker

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Beta Blocker, any of a group of drugs used to treat various disorders associated with the circulatory system. These disorders include high blood pressure (hypertension), angina pectoris (chest pains caused by reduced oxygen flow to the heart muscle), irregular heartbeat, and migraine headache. Beta blockers are also effective in treating glaucoma, an eye disorder characterized by excessive pressure within the eye.

Properly known as beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, these drugs interfere with actions of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls involuntary muscle movement. They slow the heart rate, relax pressure in blood vessel walls, and decrease the force of heart contractions. In the eye they reduce the formation of excess fluid. Specific beta blockers include timolol, atenolol, and metoprolol.

Beta blockers are prescription drugs available as tablets taken in one or more doses ranging from 2.5 to 1200 mg per day, depending on the drug. Eye drops are administered as a single drop once or twice per day. Effectiveness is usually apparent after one to two weeks of treatment. Patients taking beta blockers should not stop taking them abruptly, as their condition may worsen. These drugs are not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Possible side effects associated with beta blockers include depression, diarrhea, light-headedness, itching, rash, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a slow heartbeat. Beta blockers may interact adversely with digoxin, diltiazem, verapamil, chlochlorpromazine, and haloperidol.

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