Uses and adverse effects of Beta Blockers (Propranolol, Nadolol, Timolol, Pindolol)
Uses:
Propranolol :
- is specially based on the treatment of tachycardia, atherosclerosis, angina pectoris, as it works to calm the heartbeat.
- Treats increased thyroid hormone secretion, as it raises pressure on the heart and blood vessels (of course, it is very preferred for hyperthyroidism)
- also effective in cases of migraine.
Nadolol and Timolol :
- are used as eye drops for high blood pressure in the eye, where the patient feels blurred vision, redness, and sometimes blindness (glaucoma).
They all :
- treat high blood pressure indirectly by means of reflex tachycardia, increased peripheral vascular resistance, and vasodilation in skeletal muscles.
- People who suffer from angina pectoris and have activities or exercises .
- It treats most of the problems of the cardiovascular system .
Side effects on these drugs have increased due to lack of selectivety on beta receptors!!
- Because it goes to beta 2 which is found on the airways and causes bronchospasm .
- It should not be used with patients with asthma or patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and should be replaced by specialized medications on beta-1 such as atenolol.
- arrhythmia (when stopping the drug suddenly, there is a return of side effects and complications stronger than the first symptoms) .
- Sexual dysfunction (it was not completely clear its explanation) Why?
- Low blood sugar because we have prevented the stimulation of glucose excretion or synthesis .
- Closing beta 1 & 3 led to an increase in harmful fats and a decrease in the beneficial percentage .
- Nightmares, hallucinations, depression and any other symptoms of the CNS because it crosses the blood brain barrier so currently Atenolol is used to reduce this side effect because it does not cross the BBB .
- Skeletal muscle contraction .