Beta Adrenergic Antagonist

Question 1

Common Facts

Answer 1

Common name: Beta (B) blocker
Common ending: -olol
Commonly used to treat: cardiovascular conditions (hypertension)

Question 2

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

Reduce heart’s workload
Decrease heart’s demand for oxygen by decreasing force of contraction (cardiac output)
Binds to beta receptors

Question 3

Notes

Answer 3

Beta(1) receptors are located in cardiac tissue
Beta(2) receptors are located in pulmonary tissue
Selective beta blockers are selective for beta(1) receptors. Binding to beta(1) receptors produces cardiac stimulation
Non-selective beta blockers bind to both beta(1) and beta(2) receptors. Binding to beta(2) receptors can cause bronchospasm and are contraindicated in patients with asthma or COPD

Question 4

Common Adverse Reaction

Answer 4

Hypotension
Dizziness
Bradycardia
Fatigue
Abrupt discontinuation can produce tachycardia

Question 5

Common Auxiliary Labels

Answer 5

May cause dizziness
Avoid abrupt discontinuation/Do not discontinue without medical supervision
Do not crush/chew (This is for sustained or extended release formulations)

Question 6

Blocadren

Answer 6

Non-Selective Beta Blockers
Generic name: timolol
Tablets: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg

Question 7

Corgard

Answer 7

Non-Selective Beta Blockers
Generic name: nadolol
Tablets: 40mg, 80mg, 160mg
Also commonly used to treat: angina

Question 8

Inderal

Answer 8

Generic name: propranolol
Tablets: 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg, 120mg
LA capsules: 60mg, 120mg
Also commonly used to treat: angina, arrhythmia

Question 9

Sotacor

Answer 9

Generic name: sotalol

Tablets: 80mg, 160mg

Question 10

Visken

Answer 10

Generic name: pindolol

Tablets: 5mg, 10mg, 15mg

Question 11

Coreg

Answer 11

Non-selective beta blockers+alpha blockers
Generic name: carvedilol
Tablets: 3.125mg, 6.25mg, 12.5mg, 25mg
Often dosed BID
Also commonly used to treat: heart failure
Auxiliary label(s): take with food

Question 12

Trandate

Answer 12

Non-Selective Beta Blockers + Alpha Blockers
Generic name: labetalol
Tablets: 100mg, 200mg

Question 13

Lopressor

Answer 13

Selective Beta Blockers
Generic name: metoprolol
Tablets: 25mg, 50mg, 100mg
Note: 25mg tablets are not covered by ODB
12.5mg is often prescribed (must use either 25mg or 50mg tablets)
Often dosed once daily or BID
SR tablets: 100mg, 200mg
Often dosed once daily (QAM)
Also commonly used to treat: angina, heart failure
Auxiliary label(s): take with food (regular tablets)

Question 14

Monitan, Rhotral, Sectral

Answer 14

Generic name: acebutolol
Tablets: 100mg, 200mg, 400mg
Also commonly used to treat: Arrhythmia

Question 15

Monocor

Answer 15

Generic name: bisoprolol
Tablets: 5mg, 10mg
Often dosed once daily (QAM)
Also commonly used to treat: Heart failure
Note: 2.5mg once daily is so often prescribed (must split 5mg tablets)

Question 16

Tenormin

Answer 16

Generic name: atenolol
Tablets: 50mg, 100mg
Often dosed once daily (QAM)
Commonly used to treat: angina