Beta blockers

Beta blockers steady your heart rate and rhythm, lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of you having a heart attack. Read about the types of beta blockers, how they work and their possible side effects.

Types of beta blockers

atenolol, also called Mylan Atenolol, Noten, Tenormin
bisoprolol, also called Bosvate
carvedilol, also called Auro-Carvedilol, Dilatrend, Dicarz
celiprolol, also called Celol
labetalol, also called Hybloc, Trandate
metoprolol, also called Betaloc CR, Myloc CR, Lopressor
sotalol, also called Sotacor.

How do beta blockers work?

Beta blockers steady your heart rate and rhythm and lower your blood pressure, which reduces your risk of a heart attack. They make it easier for your heart to pump blood.

Beta blockers are used to treat a range of conditions including:

Beta blockers side effects

You may have some unwanted side effects when taking beta blockers. Common side effects include:

dizziness
feeling tired
increase of your heart condition symptoms
nausea (feeling sick)
difficulty getting an erection or other problems with sex.

Ring 111 if you have any of the following:

severe chest pain
severe headache
acute shortness of breath
swelling of your mouth, lips or tongue, as this could be an allergic reaction.

Usually your doctor will start you on a low dose of your beta blocker and gradually increase the dose until it's right for you. It may take a while to feel the benefits of the medication.

If you have unwanted side effects, talk to your doctor as they may be able to change your medication.

Don't stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor or nurse. Stopping beta blockers suddenly can make your symptoms worse. The benefits usually outweigh the side effects.

What checks do I need?

Your blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored by your GP or nurse at your visits, and more frequently if your dose changes.

What happens if I miss a dose?

It's important to take your beta blocker medication daily and not to skip a dose.

If you forget to take a dose, take it immediately, then continue as normal the following day. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal.

Do NOT take a double dose.