NHS guidance advises patients taking beta blockers to seek medical attention should they notice any of a number of specific symptoms.
What Are Beta Blockers?
Beta blockers are prescription-only medicines commonly used to treat heart conditions. They function primarily by reducing the heart rate, achieved by blocking the effects of hormones such as adrenaline. Beta blockers are typically prescribed in tablet form and are only available on prescription.
Commonly Used Beta Blockers
- Atenolol (also called Tenormin)
- Bisoprolol (also called Cardicor or Emcor)
- Carvedilol
- Labetalol (also called Trandate)
- Metoprolol (also called Betaloc or Lopresor)
- Propranolol (also called Bedranol or Beta-Prograne)
- Sotalol
Conditions Treated by Beta Blockers
Beta blockers can be prescribed to treat angina, heart failure, heart attack, and atrial fibrillation. They are also used to tackle high blood pressure either when alternative medications have proved ineffective, or alongside other treatments. Less frequently, beta blockers are prescribed to prevent migraines or to manage anxiety, hyperthyroidism, tremors, and glaucoma (as eyedrops).
Who Should Not Take Beta Blockers?
Beta blockers are not appropriate for everyone. The NHS advises informing your doctor if you have previously had an allergic reaction to a beta blocker or any other medication, low blood pressure, metabolic acidosis, uncontrolled heart failure, or lung disease or asthma.
When to Call a Doctor
While the vast majority of people taking beta blockers experience no side effects or only very mild ones, others may encounter serious symptoms in rare instances. 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, or 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.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you forget to take a dose of your beta blocker, you should take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Never take an extra dose to make up for one you have forgotten.
Overdose Symptoms and Actions
Should you exceed your prescribed dosage, beta blockers can reduce your heart rate and cause breathing difficulties. Dizziness and trembling may also occur. The quantity of beta blocker that can result in an overdose differs from one individual to another. Contact your GP, call 111, or visit A&E immediately if you have taken too much of your beta blocker.
