Beta blockers and what they do

About beta blockers

What are beta blockers and what are they used for?

Beta blockers are medicines that help slow down your heart rate. They’re used to treat heart conditions, like:

• angina
• heart attack
• heart failure
• abnormal heart rhythms, like atrial fibrillation
• high blood pressure.

Beta blockers are also prescribed for other conditions, like anxiety, migraines, overactive thyroid and glaucoma.

You may hear beta blockers being called beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs.

How do beta blockers work?

Beta blockers slow down your heart rate, which makes the heart muscle can pump more gently, reducing how hard it has to work.

Are beta blockers safe?

Beta blockers are safe for most people. However, they may not be suitable if you have certain conditions, such as

• severe or uncontrolled heart failure
• low blood pressure
• certain heart rhythm problems, such as bradycardia or some types of heart block
• asthma
• frequent episodes of low blood sugar.

Your doctor will talk to you about whether beta blockers are suitable for you and if they’re not, they will suggest other options.

Do beta blockers weaken your heart?

Some people worry that beta blockers can make the heart weaker because they slow it down. But beta blockers can make the heart muscle stronger by reducing how hard it has to work.

Types of beta blockers

What are common beta blockers medicines?

Common beta blockers include:

• atenolol (Tenormin)
• bisoprolol (Cardicor)
• carvedilol
• labetalol (Trandate)
• metoprolol (Betaloc)
• nebivolol (Nebilet)
• propranolol (Bedranol)
• sotalol.

What are selective and non-selective beta blockers?

Beta blockers are classed as being either selective or non-selective:

• Selective beta blockers mostly block adrenaline and noradrenaline in just the heart, with less effect on other parts of the body. Examples include atenolol and bisoprolol.
• Non-selective beta blockers block adrenaline and noradrenaline in other areas of the body as well as the heart. This is why they’re more commonly used to treat non-heart conditions such as anxiety. Examples include propranolol.

If you have asthma, non-selective beta blockers can sometimes cause breathing problems. You're more likely to be prescribed a selective beta blocker instead.

Side effects

What are the side effects of beta blockers?

Most people taking beta blockers have no side effects.

Some side effects can include:

• cold hands and feet
• feeling more tired than usual (fatigue)
• dizziness or feeling lightheaded
• trouble sleeping or nightmares
• trouble getting an erection
• low or high blood sugar.

Talk to your GP or pharmacist If you're having side effects. They can help you manage them or look at other options with you.

If you’ve started taking beta blockers recently it’s worth bearing in mind that side effects with any new medicine often improve over time or even disappear.

It’s important not to stop taking your medicine without speaking to a healthcare professional first.

When should I get help?

You should get urgent medical help, by calling NHS 111 or 999 if it’s a life-threatening emergency, if you have:

• difficulty breathing, wheezing or your chest feels tight
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• coughing or breathing difficulties when exercising
• swollen ankles or legs
• fainted or blacked out
• yellow skin or eyes.

Serious side effects from beta blockers are rare.

How and when to take them

How do I take beta blockers?

Most people will take beta blockers as a tablet.

The amount you take and how often will depend on the type of beta blocker you’re prescribed. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about when to take your medicine and how often.

What happens if I forget to take a beta blocker?

If you forget to take your medicine and:

• It's only a short time after your usual dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. 
• It’s nearly time for your next dose, do not take the one you missed. Wait and take your next dose at the usual time.

Things to avoid if you’re taking beta blockers

Are there foods and medicines I cannot take with beta blockers?

If you’re taking a beta blocker, you may need to avoid:

• taking NSAID medicines, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• over the counter medicines for colds and nose or sinus congestion
• some allergy medicines.

There are also prescription medicines that you may need to avoid. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicine or supplements while taking beta blockers.

If you’re currently taking beta blockers and you’re planning to get pregnant or you become pregnant, speak to your doctor.

Get support

• Our cardiac nurses can help answer your questions on beta blockers, Call, email or live chat with them on our Heart Helpline.
• Check if you can get free prescriptions or help paying for your prescriptions.
• Talk to other people and get support in our online community.