Beta blockers
- Block beta-adrenergic effects
- HTN, angina, AF rate, HFrEF, tremor
- Metoprolol/bisoprolol: beta-1 selective
- Carvedilol: alpha/beta; proven HFrEF
- Propranolol: tremor/performance anxiety
- Bradycardia, fatigue; masks hypoglycemia
- Avoid abrupt withdrawal in CAD
Class at a glance
- Block beta-adrenergic effects
Clinical role
- Carvedilol: alpha/beta; proven HFrEF
- Propranolol: tremor/performance anxiety
Other clinical roles
- HTN, angina, AF rate, HFrEF, tremor
- Metoprolol/bisoprolol: beta-1 selective
- Bradycardia, fatigue; masks hypoglycemia
Safety / monitoring
- Avoid abrupt withdrawal in CAD
Pearls
- HTN: less CV protection than ACEi, ARBs, CCBs, diuretics
- US guidelines reserve them for compelling HTN indications
- Abrupt stop can precipitate thyroid storm
Self-check
- What noncardiac uses does propranolol have?
Tremor and performance anxiety. - What should be avoided when stopping beta blockers in CAD?
Abrupt withdrawal.
Drugs in this class (14)
Beta blockers prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Beta blockers (1967–2026).
All drug classes · Open Beta blockers in the interactive console ↗