What are beta blockers?

Beta blockers are a type of medicine that make your heart beat more slowly and lower blood pressure. You may see these medicines spelled 'β-blockers'.

Beta blockers are usually not prescribed in the first instance for people who only have high blood pressure (hypertension). They can be useful for some people with high blood pressure and other conditions. This includes coronary heart disease and heart failure.

How do beta blockers work?

Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone adrenaline. They make your heart beat more slowly.

Beta blockers also relax your blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure. Beta blockers can also help your heart beat more regularly.

What are beta blockers used for?

Beta blockers can be useful when combined with other heart medicines to treat heart conditions such as:

• angina — pain in the chest caused by too little blood and oxygen getting to the heart
• arrhythmias — irregular heart rhythm
• after a heart attack

Apart from treating heart conditions, beta blockers can also be used to prevent or treat other conditions, such as:

• migraine
• glaucoma — given as eye drops
• anxiety with tachycardia
• some types of tremors

What type of medicines might I be prescribed?

Some examples of beta blockers include:

• atenolol
• bisoprolol
• carvedilol
• metoprolol
• propranalol
• sotalol

What are the side effects or risks of beta blockers?

Beta blockers should be avoided or used with caution in people with asthma. This is because they can trigger asthma attacks. Some types of beta blockers may be safer than others for people with asthma.

Most people with chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder (COPD) can safely take beta blockers.

If you take certain medicines for diabetes and also take beta blockers, you may need to check your blood sugar levels more frequently. This is because beta blockers can sometimes mask the signs of low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia), such as a fast heartbeat. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if this applies to you.

If you have glaucoma and use beta blocker eye drops, they may slow your heart rate and drop your blood pressure.

Do not stop taking beta blockers suddenly. Suddenly stopping beta blockers may increase your risk of a heart attack or another heart problem. Always talk to your doctor before stopping treatment with a beta blocker.

It's important to discuss the potential side effects of beta blockers with your doctor. You can also check the consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet that comes with your medicine.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor straight away if you suddenly have:

• shortness of breath
• jaundice (yellowish skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow)
• heart palpitations — an abnormal awareness of your heart beating
• dizziness or feel lightheaded
• a slow heart beat

Also see your doctor if you are concerned about any other symptoms.

Are there alternatives to this medicine?

Talk to your doctor if you have side effects. These can often be managed by reducing the dose or switching to different type of beta blocker.

Your doctor will also be able to advise you about alternative medicines for your condition.

Resources and support

You can call 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) if you have questions about your medicines.

There is an information sheet on beta blockers for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, developed by NPS Medicinewise, Good Medicine Better Health, NACCHO and the Heart Foundation.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.