Beta blockers

Beta-blockers help reduce the work the heart does. They do this by slowing your heartbeat and lowering your blood pressure. Some people take beta-blockers before surgery to lower the risk of heart problems after surgery. But beta-blockers are not right for everyone. Whether they are right for you depends on the type of surgery, your health, and your risk of heart problems. If you are having a heart surgery, you might take them to lower your risk of a heart rhythm problem. For other surgeries, you might take them to lower your risk of a heart attack and heart rhythm problems.

Don't take this medicine if you are allergic to any type of beta-blocker. Tell your doctor if you have breathing problems or asthma. Also, tell your doctor if you often have asthma attacks.

Beta-blockers are used for many heart and blood vessel problems. They relax blood vessels and make your heart beat more slowly and with less force. They lower blood pressure.

Beta-blockers may be used if you have:

• Coronary artery disease.
• Heart failure.
• High blood pressure.
• Heart rhythm problems.

Beta-blockers are also used for other health problems that are not related to the heart. These problems include migraine headaches.

Beta-blockers may help you feel better and live longer.

Here are some examples of beta-blockers. For each item in the list, the generic name is first, followed by any brand names.

• atenolol (Tenormin)
• carvedilol (Coreg)
• metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol)
• propranolol (Inderal)

This is not a complete list of beta-blockers.

You may have some side effects.

• You may feel tired.
• You may feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Your body may react in other ways that are not listed here. Read the information that comes with your medicine.

Some cautions are:

• If you have diabetes, watch closely for symptoms of low blood sugar. Beta-blockers can hide your symptoms.
• If you have asthma, beta-blockers can make wheezing or shortness of breath worse.
• Do not suddenly stop taking a beta-blocker. This can cause high blood pressure, a heart attack, or a dangerous heart rhythm.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you use any other medicines. This includes ones you buy over the counter. Make sure your doctor knows all of the medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you take. Taking some medicines together can cause problems.

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Do not suddenly stop taking a beta-blocker. This can cause a heart attack or dangerous heart rhythm.
• Always tell your doctor if you think you are having a side effect from your medicine. If side effects are a problem with one medicine, you can try a different one.
• Check with your doctor before you use any over-the-counter medicines. Beta-blockers can interact with other medicines. Make sure your doctor knows all of the medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you take.
• If you have diabetes, watch closely for symptoms of low blood sugar. Beta-blockers can hide your symptoms.
• If you have asthma, tell your doctor if you feel more short of breath. Beta-blockers can make your symptoms worse.
• Your doctor may ask you to take your pulse regularly to make sure your heart rate is not too slow.