Cardioselective beta blockers
What are Cardioselective beta blockers?
Beta-adrenergic blocking agents prevent stimulation of the beta-1 adrenergic receptors at the nerve endings of the sympathetic nervous system and therefore decrease the activity of the heart. They block sympathetic stimulation of the heart and reduce systolic pressure, heart rate, cardiac contractility and output, which in turn decreases the demand by the heart for oxygen and increases exercise tolerance. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents may also affect beta-2 adrenergic receptors located in the bronchial smooth muscle of the airways, which has the potential to cause bronchoconstriction (a narrowing of the breathing passages).
Cardioselective beta blockers have a clinical advantage in that they are 20 times more potent at blocking beta-1 receptors than beta-2 receptors. They are therefore less likely to cause bronchoconstriction compared with non-selective beta-blockers; however, the danger of bronchoconstriction cannot be totally ignored, as they are not totally selective.
Beta-adrenergic blocking agents are used to treat angina, control abnormal heart rhythms and to reduce high blood pressure.
List of Cardioselective beta blockers
Drug Name | Avg. Rating | Reviews |
---|---|---|
metoprolol systemic (Pro) Brand names: Lopressor, Toprol-XL |
656 reviews | |
nebivolol systemic (Pro) Brand name: Bystolic |
281 reviews | |
atenolol systemic (Pro) Brand name: Tenormin |
279 reviews | |
bisoprolol systemic (Pro) |
117 reviews | |
acebutolol systemic (Pro) |
6 reviews | |
betaxolol systemic (Pro) |
1 review | |
landiolol systemic (Pro) Brand name: Rapiblyk | No reviews | |
esmolol systemic (Pro) Brand name: Brevibloc | No reviews | |
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective). |
See also
Medical conditions treated or associated with cardioselective beta blockers:
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.