Beta-Adrenergic Blockers

Alternative Medicine
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Also indexed as:

Betagan, Brevibloc, Carteolol, Cartrol, Esmolol, Levatol, Levobunolol, Metipranolol, Nebivolol, Ocupress, OptiPranolol, Oxprenolol, Penbutolol, Pindolol, Visken

Beta-adrenergic blockers or "beta blockers" are a family of drugs used to treat high blood pressure, angina, heart arrhythmia, tremors, alcohol withdrawal, glaucoma, and other conditions. They are also used to prevent migraine headaches, stage fright, and second heart attacks.

Interactions that are common to all beta-adrenergic blockers are described below. For interactions involving a specific beta-adrenergic blocker, refer to the highlighted drugs listed below.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Beta-Adrenergic Blockers

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	High-potassium foods Pleurisy root Potassium supplements
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known
Interactions common to many, if not all, Beta-Adrenergic Blockers are described in this article. Interactions reported for only one or several drugs in this class may not be listed in this article. Some drugs listed in this article are linked to articles specific to that respective drug; please refer to those individual drug articles. The information in this article may not necessarily apply to drugs in this class for which no separate article exists. If you are taking a Beta-Adrenergic Blocker for which no separate article exists, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

Potassium

Some beta-adrenergic blockers (called "nonselective" beta blockers) decrease the uptake of potassium from the blood into the cells,¹ leading to excess potassium in the blood, a potentially dangerous condition known as hyperkalemia.² People taking beta-blockers should therefore avoid taking potassium supplements, or eating large quantities of fruit (e.g., bananas), unless directed to do so by their doctor.

Interactions with Herbs

Pleurisy root

As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.³

References

Rosa RM, Silva P, Young JB, et al. Adrenergic modulation of extrarenal potassium disposal. N Engl J Med 1980;302:431-4.
Lundborg P. The effect of adrenergic blockade on potassium concentrations in different conditions. Acta Med Scand Suppl 1983;672:121-6 [review].
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213-4.

Last Review: 09-01-2007

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.

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