The following conditions are currently approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration for treatment by beta blockers:
• angina
• atrial fibrillation
• atrial flutter
• glaucoma
• hypertension
• idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
• migraine prophylaxis
• myocardial infarction prophylaxis
• myocardial infarction
• ocular hypertension
• paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
• pheochromocytoma
• thyrotoxicosis
• tremor
• ventricular arrhythmias
Beta blockers have also been documented as prescribed for the following conditions; however, these indications are not approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration at this time.
• esophageal varices
• ethanol withdrawal
• hypertensive emergency
• hypotension induction
• peri-operative hypertension
Considerable care needs to be exercised if a beta blocker is given in conjunction with cardiac selective calcium-channel blockers because of their additive effects in producing electrical and mechanical depression. Except for those drugs specifically approved for use in heart failure, beta blockers are contraindicated in heart failure patients. Beta blockers are also contraindicated in patients with sinus bradycardia and partial AV block.
Bronchoconstriction can occur, especially when non-selective beta-blockers are administered to asthmatic patients. Therefore, non-selective beta-blockers are contraindicated in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Hypoglycemia can occur with beta-blockers because β2-adrenoceptors normally stimulate hepatic glycogen breakdown and pancreatic release of glucagon, which work together to increase plasma glucose. Therefore, blocking β2-adrenoceptors lowers plasma glucose. Therefore, beta-blockers are to be used cautiously in diabetics.
On an interesting note, professional golfers are not allowed to use beta blockers because of the off label use by professional golfers to combat anxiety. This is a new, yet ongoing, issue that will continue to develop as time progresses.
References:
Federal Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov)
Rx List: Beta Blockers (http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=79790)
Medicine Net: Beta Blockers (http://www.medicinenet.com/beta_blockers/article.htm)
Golf Dash (http://golfdash.blogspot.com/2006/08/drugs-in-professional-golf-again.html)
Sports Illustrated and Golf Magazine (http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,1663705,00.html#)
October 9, 2009 at 8:31 pm |
Very impressive and informative!1 Well done!!
October 10, 2009 at 10:13 pm |
As a pharmacist, I have seen Propranolol prescribed for acute anxiety attacks, such as “stage fright”. This is an unlabeled use, but is used fairly frequently. Some other unapproved uses are aggressive behavior, schizophrenia, and thyrotoxicosis.
October 11, 2009 at 1:25 am |
As a nurse, I was not aware of the uses of Beta blockers for Esophageal Varices, Ethanol Withdrawal, or Peri-operative hypertension.
October 15, 2009 at 7:15 am |
Does anyone know why a beta blocker for a tremor rather than an anti Parkinsons drug? Maybe just as a back up in the event they are not able to take anti-parkinsons meds?
October 22, 2009 at 12:47 pm |
I did not know beta blockers were used for so many conditions
October 26, 2009 at 8:00 pm |
I took a beta blocker because I had supraventricular tachycardia. It worked great but I did not know it had so many other uses. Wow!
October 29, 2009 at 4:25 pm |
Very helpful information regarding contraindications. My mother has been told by several doctors that she should NEVER take a beta blocker because she has sinus bradycardia.