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Beta-Blockers

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By Editorial Team

1 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: July 2024 | Last updated: August 2024

Beta-blockers are a type of drug prescribed for people with systolic heart failure (HF). Beta-blockers can be used by people with systolic HF either with or without symptoms. Beta-blockers are also useful in people with HFrEF, especially if you also have:1-4

Beta-blockers are sometimes prescribed with other drugs to treat heart failure, such as:1

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  • Aldosterone antagonists
  • Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs)
  • Sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT2) inhibitors

How do beta-blockers work?

Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine. This hormone is also known as adrenaline. By blocking this hormone, beta-blockers stop your heart from responding to adrenaline. This slows your heart rate and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood.1-4

Examples

There are many types of beta-blockers, but only 3 are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat heart failure:1-4

  • Bisoprolol
  • Coreg (carvedilol)
  • Toprol-XL® (metoprolol succinate)

What are the possible side effects?

Side effects can vary depending on the specific drug you are taking. The most common side effects of beta-blockers include:1-4

  • Tiredness
  • Slow heart rate
  • Low blood pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Dry mouth or eyes
  • Erectile dysfunction

These are not all the possible side effects of beta-blockers. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking a beta-blocker. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking a beta-blocker.

Other things to know

Before treatment with a beta-blocker, tell your doctor if you have:1-4

  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Certain types of arrhythmias
  • Raynaud's phenomenon

Before beginning treatment for heart failure, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person. This treatment information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before starting and while taking any treatment.