Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers, commonly known as beta blockers, are a class of drugs that lower blood pressure by blocking the effects of the hormone adrenaline, the Mayo Clinic says. These drugs dilate blood vessels and cause the heart to beat more slowly. Doctors also prescribe beta blockers for other conditions such as irregular heart rhythm, chest pain and migraine headaches.
Propranolol
According to Drugs.com, propranolol is a beta blocker that can treat high blood pressure, chest pain, irregular heartbeat and migraine headache. Patients should keep in mind that propranolol is not a cure for high blood pressure, and they may have to take it for their entire lives in order to keep blood pressure under control. The initial long-acting oral capsule adult dose for high blood pressure is 80mg once a day. The doctor may increase it if necessary, Drugs.com says. Doctors prescribe the same dose regimen for chest pain and migraine headaches. At the appropriate time, treatment for chest pain stops gradually over the course of several weeks. If propranolol treatment for migraine headaches is not working after four to six weeks, the doctor will slowly discontinue the regimen. For irregular heartbeat, the oral adult dose of the tablet form is 10 to 30mg three or four times a day. Common side effects of propranolol are dry eyes, heartburn, muscle weakness and trouble sleeping.
Atenolol
Atenolol is an oral prescription medication that falls into the cardioselective beta-blocker class of drugs and is indicated for the long-term treatment of chest pain (angina), Monthly Prescribing Reference says. The initial adult dose is 50mg once a day, and after one week it may increase to 100mg once a day. Atenolol is not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Adverse reactions may include dizziness, fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, depression and low blood pressure upon standing upright.
Bisoprolol
According to the Mayo Clinic, bisoprolol is an oral prescription beta blocker medication for the treatment of high blood pressure. It lowers blood pressure by making the heart beat more slowly. The initial oral adult dose is 2.5mg or 5mg once a day. The doctor may increase this dose up to a maximum of 20mg once a day if necessary.
Patients should keep in mind that bisoprolol can only control high blood pressure. It cannot cure it. Once treatment begins they may need to take this medication for the rest of their lives. If symptoms such as shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, dilated neck veins or irregular breathing occur, the patient should report this to the doctor immediately because it may be a sign of heart failure, the Mayo Clinic says. Other side effects may include decreased touch sensation, diarrhea and loss of strength.
