Beta Blockers (Oral)

Beta blockers are a class of medication that help regulate the heartbeat. They are often used to help control arrhythmias and other types of irregular heartbeat. They may also be used to control high blood pressure or to reduce the risk of a second heart attack after a person suffers from a heart attack.

Warnings/Side Effects

People who take beta blockers have an increased risk of developing diabetes. For this reason, they are not usually the first resort if a patient has a high blood pressure problem rather than a heart rate problem.

Beta blockers can cause the heart to slow down too much and can lead to cardiac arrest. They also can lower blood pressure too much, resulting in dizziness, drowsiness and nausea. Some people have diarrhea while on this medication.