BETA BLOCKERS
Interaction between the beta-blocker, epinephrine, norepinephrine,
and adrenergic receptors. The beta-blockers compete with the
catecholamines to block the adrenergic binding sites on the
myocardial tissue - thus inhibiting or alleviating muscle contraction,
high blood pressure, and increased cardiac output. Image and
description courtesy of Marian University.
Beta blockers are a category of drugs that block beta-adrenergic substances, such as epinephrine (adrenaline) in the sympathetic portion of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system.
These drugs have a variety of uses, the main ones of which are listed below.
- Cardiac (heart) Problems
- Angina Pectoris
- Atrial Fibrulation
- Cardiac Arrhythmia
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Mitral Valve Prolapse
- Myocardial Infarction
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
- Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
- Glaucoma
- Elevated Intraocular Pressure
- Systemic Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Marfan Syndrome
- Anxiety Disorders
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Hyperthyroidism
- Migraine
- Phaeochromocytoma
Beta Blockers also are referred to as beta-adrenergic blocking agents.
Examples used for cardiac and other problems include: Acebutolol, Atenolol, Bisoprolol, Metoprolol, Nadolol, Nebivolol, and Propranolol.
Examples used in the treatment of glaucoma include: Timolol (Betimol, Istalol), Betaxolol, Metipranolol, and Levobunolol.
Additional Information about Beta Blockers
Beta-Blockers from Patient UK
Beta Blockers Overdose from the National Institutes of Health (USA)
A Patient's Guide to Glaucoma: Beta Blockers from the University of Maryland Medical Center
Related Topics
Alpha Blockers
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
Angiotesin II Receptor Blockers
Angiotesin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
Return from Beta Blockers to Medical Terms Ba-Bz