Beta-blockers

What does this medication do?
Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) and chest pain (angina). They may also be used to prevent future heart attacks in patients, and to treat anxiety, migraines and tremors caused by an overactive thyroid.

How does it work?
Beta-blocker is short for Beta-Adrenergic blocking drugs. Beta-blockers block the responses from your beta nerve receptors. This slows your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure to reduce the workload on your heart.

How should I take it?
Beta-blockers are available as tablets or capsules. Some are taken once daily; others are taken several times a day. Your doctor may prescribe them to lower your blood pressure or they may be given along with a diuretic (water pill) or other antihypertensive drug. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how and when to take your medication. Take your medications as prescribed. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to. If you stop taking your beta blockers abruptly, it may increase your heart rate suddenly.

What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medications can interact with beta-blockers, so always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medication including prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter or natural health products (vitamins and minerals, herbal remedies, homeopathic medicines, traditional medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines, probiotics and other products such as amino acids and essential fatty acids). Some potential interactions with beta-blockers include medications to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, as well as some anti-depressants and allergy shots.

What else should I tell my doctor?
If you have asthma, make sure your doctor is aware of it because beta-blockers may make your asthma worse. Tell your doctor if you have or have had any problems with your circulation or have diabetes. Never stop taking beta-blockers suddenly without first checking with your doctor.

What are some common side effects?
Beta-blockers can cause some side effects. The more common include drowsiness or fatigue, cold hands and feet, weakness or dizziness, dry mouth, eyes and skin. Tell your doctor if you experience these or any other side effects.

Combination treatments
Most people with high blood pressure need two or more medications, together with lifestyle changes, to lower their blood pressure. In some cases, two medications can be taken as a single tablet.

Lifestyle changes
Eating a healthy diet that is lower in fat, especially saturated and trans fats, being smoke free, limiting alcohol use, being physically active and reducing stress are also important in lowering the risk of heart disease. Talk to your healthcare practitioner about how you can achieve these lifestyle changes.

For more information
Health Canada provides health and medical information to help Canadians maintain and improve their health. Learn more about Safe Use of Medicines, Safety and Effectiveness of Generic Drugs and Buying Drugs over the Internet.

Drug Product Database provides information about drugs approved for use in Canada.

MedEffect Canada provides safety alerts, public health advisories, warnings and recalls.

Your ministry of health also provides useful health resources in your province or territory. For example, Ontario has a MedsCheck program providing free pharmacist consultations on safety use of drugs. British Columbia has a Senior Healthcare webpage providing information about important health programs.  

Last modified: July 2011
Last reviewed: July 2011