The NHS has issued new guidance advising individuals taking beta blockers to seek medical attention if they experience any of several particular symptoms. Beta blockers are a common medication that primarily functions by reducing heart rate, achieved by blocking the effects of hormones such as adrenaline.
What Are Beta Blockers?
Beta blockers typically come in tablet form and are available only on prescription. Frequently prescribed beta blockers include atenolol (also known as Tenormin), bisoprolol (also known as Cardicor or Emcor), carvedilol, labetalol (also known as Trandate), metoprolol (also known as Betaloc or Lopresor), propranolol (also known as Bedranol or Beta-Prograne), and sotalol.
Common Uses
Beta blockers can be prescribed to treat angina, heart failure, heart attack, and atrial fibrillation. They are also prescribed to manage high blood pressure when alternative medications have been attempted, or alongside other treatments. Less frequently, beta blockers are prescribed to prevent migraine or manage anxiety, hyperthyroidism, tremors, and glaucoma (in eyedrop form).
Who Should Avoid Beta Blockers?
Beta blockers aren't appropriate for everyone. The NHS advises that you should inform your GP if you have previously had an allergic reaction to a beta blocker or any other medication, suffer from low blood pressure, metabolic acidosis, uncontrolled heart failure, or have lung disease or asthma.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
While the majority of people taking beta blockers experience no side effects or only very minor ones, some may develop serious symptoms in exceptional circumstances. NHS guidance states you should contact a doctor immediately if you have:
- Shortness of breath and a cough that gets worse when you exercise (like walking up stairs)
- Swollen ankles or legs
- An irregular heartbeat – these can be signs of heart problems
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightening of your chest – these can be signs of lung problems
- Yellowish skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin – these can be signs of liver problems
Missed Dose and Overdose Advice
Should you miss a dose of your beta blocker, take it when you remember, unless your next scheduled dose is approaching. Never double up on doses to compensate for a missed one. Taking more than the prescribed amount of beta blockers can reduce your heart rate and cause breathing difficulties. It may also trigger dizziness and trembling.
The quantity of beta blocker required to cause an overdose differs between individuals. Contact your doctor immediately, ring 111, or head to A&E without delay if you have taken an excessive amount of your beta blocker.
