Beta blockers used in angina

                                                   Beta Blockers

Following beta blockers are used for angina:-

1:Beta1 and beta2 antagonists:

  Propranolol

  Penbutolol

   Pindolol

   Sotalol

   Timolol

2:beta 1 selective antagonists:

    Metoprolol

    Atenolol

    Esmolol

    Acebutolol

    betaxolol

Beta blockers have many uses in medicine, chief among these is in the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and angina.

Beta blockers work by blocking the effect of adrenaline on the heart, which results in keeping the heart rate relatively slow during periods of exercise or stress, and in reducing the force of heart muscle contraction. Both of these effects reduce the amount of oxygen required by the heart muscle. Reducing the amount of oxygen used by the heart allows the heart to function longer without developing ischemia, even when blood flow through thecoronary arteries is partially blocked by atherosclerosis.

In patients with angina, beta blockers are effective in improving the amount of exercise that can be performed without developing ischemia or angina. In addition, beta blockers are the only anti-angina drugs that have been shown to lower the risk of having another myocardial infarction in patients who have already had a heart attack. And finally, in patients who have had a myocardial infarction or who have heart failure, beta blockers have been shown to significantly improve overall survival. The benefits provided by beta blockers have made them the drugs of first choice in treating patients with CAD and angina.

The main side effects of beta blockers include bradycardia (slow heart rate), breathing difficulties in people who have asthma or chronic lung disease, fatigue, worsening of symptoms ofperipheral artery disease, depression, and erectile dysfunction. Beta blockers should also be avoided in patients with angina due toPrinzmetal's angina (coronary artery spasm), since in these patients beta blockers can occasionally cause more spasm.

Many of these side effects can be avoided in patients with angina by using beta blockers that work primarily on the heart itself, and that have relatively little effect on the blood vessels, lungs, and central nervous system. These "cardioselective" beta blockers areTenormin (atenolol) and metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL).

 Adverse effects

Beta blockers (beta-adrenergic blocking agents) are medications used for the treatment of high blood pressure, glaucoma and migraines. According to the Mayo Clinic, when you take beta blockers, the heart beats more slowly and with less force, thereby reducing blood pressure. Beta blockers aid blood vessels in dilating to improve blood flow. Some examples of beta blockers include Metoprolol, Atenolol, Labetalol and Toprol. These medications do have adverse effects.

Fatigue and Dizziness

You may experience fatigue and dizziness while taking beta blockers. You may just seem more tired and sleepy than usual. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert, states Drugs.com. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking a beta blocker, it may increase drowsiness and dizziness. Fatigue and dizziness may subside over time after your body has some time to adjust to your medication.

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Shortness of Breath

You may experience shortness of breath while taking a beta blocker. You may notice that you are out of breath while doing daily activities. Beta blockers generally aren't used in people with asthma because of concerns that the medication may trigger severe asthma attacks, states the Mayo Clinic. If shortness of breath becomes bothersome and impacts your daily lifestyle, contact your healthcare provider.

Sexual Effects

Adverse effects of beta blockers include a decreased sex drive (low libido), impotence or difficulty achieving orgasm. If these side effects become intolerable, contact your healthcare provider. They may be able to switch you to a different medication or prescribe something to alleviate your symptoms.

Dangerous Effects

In rare cases, a serious allergic reaction may occur while using beta blocker medications. Symptoms include hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, reports Drugs.com. Other serious effects include depression, fainting, rapid heart beat and jaundice(yellowing of the skin or eyes). If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.