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Drugs in this class include:
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- Atenolol
- Metoprolol
- Propranolol
- Sotalol
- Bisoprolol
- Carvedilol
- Timolol
- Nadolol
- Betaxolol
- Pindolol
- Labetolol
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The beta blockers are an important class of drugs that are used in the treatment of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure (CHF), and arrhythmia. These drugs block the beta receptors in the heart. Since the beta receptors regulate heart rate and the vigor with which the heart muscle cells contract (contractility), these drugs lower heart rate and blood pressure, effectively decreasing the work of the heart.
Beta blockers have been shown to lower mortality in patients with myocardial infarction. Beta blockers also slow the progression of congestive heart failure (CHF) and prolong lifespan in patients with CHF. Since beta blockers have a slowing effect on the heart rate, they help suppress many cardiac arrhythmias. The more common side effects of beta blockers include fatigue, lack of energy, nightmares, and slow heart rate. Some male patients experience impotence with these drugs. Patients with asthma or emphysema may not be able to tolerate beta blockers because of an increase in symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing.
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