Beta-blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are medications th

Beta-blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are medications that reduce blood pressure. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline.
Beta-blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and with less force, which lowers blood pressure. Beta-blockers also help widen veins and arteries to improve blood flow.
Examples of beta blockers
Some beta-blockers mainly affect the heart, while others affect both the heart and blood vessels. Your doctor will choose which beta blocker is best for you based on your health conditions.
Examples of beta blockers taken by mouth include:
Acebutolol
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Bisoprolol (Zebeta)
Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
Nadolol (Corgard)
Nebivolol (Bystolic)
Propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran XL)
When beta blockers are used
Beta-blockers aren’t recommended as a first treatment in people who have only high blood pressure. Beta-blockers aren’t usually prescribed for high blood pressure unless other medications, such as diuretics, haven’t worked well. Also, a doctor may prescribe a beta blocker as one of several medications to lower blood pressure.
Beta-blockers may not work as effectively for black people and older people, especially when taken without other blood pressure medications.
Beta-blockers are used to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in people who have:
Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
Heart failure
Chest pain (angina)
Heart attacks
Migraine
Certain types of tremors
Your doctor may prescribe beta blockers along with other medications.
Side effects
Common side effects of beta blockers can include:
Cold hands or feet
Fatigue
Weight gain
Less common side effects include:
Depression
Shortness of breath
Trouble sleeping
Beta-blockers generally aren’t used in people with asthma because of concerns that the medication may trigger severe asthma attacks. Propanolol is a non-selective beta-blocking agent used for antihypertensive, tachycardia, and hyperthyroidism.
SOURCE: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hig…