Last reviewed · How we verify
Beta blocker
Beta blockers reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the effects of adrenaline on beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart and blood vessels.
Beta blockers reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the effects of adrenaline on beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart and blood vessels. Used for Hypertension, Angina pectoris, Arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation).
At a glance
| Generic name | Beta blocker |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Other medications according to local clinical practice protocols and current guidelines, Timolol, Beta receptor blocker, ABAB, BABA |
| Sponsor | Spanish Society of Cardiology |
| Drug class | Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist |
| Target | Beta-1 and/or Beta-2 adrenergic receptors |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Beta blockers competitively antagonize beta-1 and/or beta-2 adrenergic receptors, decreasing cardiac contractility, heart rate, and renin release. This leads to reduced myocardial oxygen demand and lower blood pressure, making them effective for managing hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias. Different beta blockers have varying selectivity for beta-1 versus beta-2 receptors and additional properties such as intrinsic sympathomimetic activity or vasodilatory effects.
Approved indications
- Hypertension
- Angina pectoris
- Arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation)
- Heart failure
- Post-myocardial infarction
- Migraine prophylaxis
Common side effects
- Fatigue
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Dizziness
- Erectile dysfunction
- Bronchospasm (non-selective agents)
- Hyperglycemia or masked hypoglycemia symptoms
Key clinical trials
- Blood Flow Restricted Resistance Exercises Versus Low Level Laser on Cardiac Functions in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure (NA)
- Tapering Heart Failure Medication in Patients With Heart Failure With Recovered Ejection Fraction; Open Label Prospective Random Trial (NA)
- A Study on Yiyang Huoluo Decoction in the Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- N-of-1 Trial to Promote Beta-Blocker Titration in Heart Failure (NA)
- Mechanistic Clinical Trial Comparing the Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics of Metoprolol in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction Patients With Low vs. High Polygenic Score (PHASE4)
- Venous Congestion And Cognitive Dysfunction After Cardiac Surgery
- De-Adoption of Beta-Blockers in Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease (PHASE4)
- Catheter Ablation Versus Anti-arrhythmic Drugs for Ventricular Tachycardia (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |