Beta Blockers

Question 1

Atenolol (g)

Answer 1

Tenormin (b)

Question 2

Carvedilol (g)

Answer 2

Coreg (CR) (b)

Question 3

Metoprolol succinate (g)

Answer 3

Toprol XL (b)

Question 4

Metoprolol tartrate (g)

Answer 4

Lopressor (b)

Question 5

Propranolol (g)

Answer 5

Inderal (LA), Innopran XL (b)

Question 6

MOA

Answer 6

blocks epi and norepinephrine from binding to beta receptors allowing heart to beat more slowly and reducing amount of blood being pumped.

Question 7

common adverse effects

Answer 7

dizziness
shortness of breath
decreased heart rate
mood changes (reduced anxiety) esp. with those not cardio-specific.
“beta blocker blues”
sexual dysfunction

Question 8

counseling pts

Answer 8

decreased exercise tolerance.
take with food to increase absorption.
take daily, do not double up on doses.

Question 9

clinical pearls

Answer 9

may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia.
should be tapered at discontinuation, not stopped abruptly.
may counteract some inhaled respiratory meds.
some are cardio-selective and some are not (propranolol).
not generally used for ONLY hypertension.