Beta Blockers

Blocking of certain beta blockers

Medications: “olol or lol”

  • atenolol

  • esmolol

  • metoprolol

  • propranolol

  • sotalol

  • timolol

What do beta blockers treat?

  • can treat hypertension

  • stable angina

  • arrhythmias

  • heart failure (HF)

  • migraines

  • glaucoma

  • tremors

How do beta blockers work?

  • blocks beta receptor sites [norepinephrine & epinephrine cannot bind to receptor sites = do not elicit (evoke, bring forward a response) sympathetic nervous system

Side effects of beta blockers:

  • bradycardia (slowed HR)

  • heart block

    • 2 or 3 degrees

  • exacerbate(aggravate/worsen) heart failure

  • worsen asthma or COPD (nonselective)

  • hypotension

  • orthostatic hypotension

Nurse Role:

  • monitor ECG

  • monitor Heart rate (HR)

  • monitor BP

  • watch for signs of heart failure (HF)

    • JVD, weight gain, swelling, dyspnea

  • must taper off (EDUCATE PTS you cannot just STOP beta blockers must “taper off” (gradually decrease intensity, frequency, and/or amount)

  • beta blockers can mask hypoglycemia (for pts who have diabetes)

    • pts. know their sugar has dropped when they become tachycardic (but beta blockers prevent HR from climbing so no symptoms of tachycardia)

    • EDUCATE DIABETIC PTS ON THIS