Beta blockers are anti-hypertensive drugs used in the treatment of high blood pressure, migraine, angina, cardiac arrhythmias, acute myocardial infarctions and pheochromocytomas. According to Medex, beta blockers are effective treatments for patients with hypertension and can be considered safe for the majority of users. But, contraindications may occur with the use of herbal supplements or other drugs. As always, it is imperative to discuss all medications with a licensed health professional.
Phenothiazines
Phenothiazines comprise a drug classification called anti-psychotics that include thioridazone and chlorpromazine, or thorazine. RxList suggests that these drugs are contraindicated with the prescription of beta blockers due to their effects on increasing blood plasma concentration levels in the body, which could lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
Verapamil
Verapamil is in a phenylalkylamine L-type calcium channel blocking drug classification,along with others such as calan, verelan, verelan-PM, isoptin, isoptin-SR and covera-HS. RxList suggests that drugs in this classification increase blood plasma concentration levels of either the verapamil or the beta blocker. Verapamil may still be prescribed under certain circumstances with compensation for the deficiency. This is only allowed under the close supervision of a physician.
Clonidine
Clonidine, or catapres, is a anti-hypertensive drug that would further decrease blood pressure when combined with beta blockers. "American Family Physician" says that polypharmacy, or the issuance of multiple heart medications, may be necessary to prolong quality of life for the patient. With clonidine, RxList suggests that the combination with beta blockers could lead to an unsafe increase in blood pressure, which also requires close monitoring by the prescribing physician.
Barbiturates
Barbiturates belong to a sedative-hypnotic drug classification comprising phenobarbital, primidone, amobarbital, butabarbital, mephobarbital and secobarbital. These drugs are highly sedative, dangerous to prescribe accurately, addictive and are generally not prescribed except in surgical or absolutely necessary situations that require central nervous system depression. According to RxList, barbiturates decrease blood plasma concentration levels of beta blockers. Depending on the circumstances, a physician may have to prescribe the beta blocker in higher dosages to maintain an adequate blood plasma concentration level to remain effective. This action would also require close supervision by the prescribing physician, as there is a possibility of coma or death.
