Whether you know them as beta blockers or beta-adrenergic blocking agents, this class of drugs is used to treat conditions ranging from high blood pressure to glaucoma. According to the Mayo Clinic, some beta blockers have a larger effect on the heart while others have a greater effect on both the heart and blood vessels. The condition you have determines which beta blocker your doctor will prescribe.
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Atenolol is generally prescribed for patients diagnosed with high blood pressure and patients with angina (chest pain), as well as to increase the chances of survival in patients who have had a heart attack. According to emedtv.com, it may also be prescribed to treat symptoms caused by anxiety and migraines. Atenolol is designed to work on both the heart and blood vessels. It slows the heartbeat to lower blood pressure and also opens blood vessels to allow for increased blood flow. Some of the most common side effects are tiredness, low blood pressure, bradycardia (slow heart rate), dizziness and coldness in the hands and feet.
Pindolol (Visken)
Used solely to reduce high blood pressure, pindolol works by reversing the effects of stress hormones in the body. It comes in tablet form and can be used alone or in conjunction with other blood pressure medications. Pindolol has very few side effects. Those most commonly reported include dizziness, muscle pain, fatigue and nervousness.
Labetalol (Trandate)
Labetaolol is another beta blocker used for the sole purpose of lowering high blood pressure, according to emedtv.com. It can lower both systolic and diastolic pressure. Possible side effects include nausea, fatigue, bradycardia, dizziness and nasal congestion.
Nadolol (Corgard)
Prescribed in tablet form and taken once a day, nadolol is used to treat both high blood pressure and angina, a condition that occurs due to a lack of blood flow to the heart. Side effects most commonly associated with nadolol include bradycardia, dizziness, fatigue and numbness of extremities.
Betaxolol (Betoptic)
According to allergynursing.com, some eye drops used to treat glaucoma, or high eye pressure, contain beta blockers; betaxolol is one example. This drug is also available in tablet form to help reduce high blood pressure. While many patients tolerate betaxolol fairly well, some may experience side effects such as fatigue, nausea and slow heart rate. Patients may also notice eye discomfort, which is usually temporary.
Esmolol (Brevibloc)
Esmolol varies from other beta blocker family members in that it is short acting. It is administered intravenously, according to allergynursing.com, and is used only occasionally. According to emedtv.com, esmolol is given to patients with irregular heart rhythms in emergency situations, or to patients during or after surgery who are suffering from high blood pressure or rapid heart rate. Some of the most common side effects are low blood pressure, dizziness, nausea and drowsiness.
