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The effectiveness of beta blockers may be affected by age as they may not be as effective for older people, especially when used as a single agent.īeta blockers are indicated for the treatment of arrhythmia because of their ability to slow down the heart rate. Indications for Beta Blockersīeta Blockers Nursing Pharmacology NCLEX Reviewīeta blockers are used in conjunction with other medications to reduce blood pressure.Īlthough they are used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, they are not recommended as first line treatment for hypertension alone and are often prescribed when other medications like diuretics are ineffective. Glucagon is the antidote in case of beta blocker toxicity. These factors include the type of condition currently being treated, potential side effects, and other conditions or medications that the patient is already taking. Several factors are taken into consideration prior to prescribing which type of beta blockers will be used for a patient. They can be administered orally, intravenously, or intramuscular route, they are also available in ophthalmic form. They reduce the blood pressure by slowing down the heart rate and contractility, as well as by improving blood flow by dilating veins and arteries.īeta blockers provide various clinical benefits but may also pose a risk for adverse effects if not properly monitored.īeta blockers are classified into three categories: non-selective, cardio-selective, and third-generation. Beta blockers may affect the heart and blood vessels.
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They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline, also called epinephrine, which is “the fight or flight” hormone. Details of these papers are shown in table 4.Beta-adrenergic blocking agents, commonly known as beta blockers, are medications used to reduce blood pressure and are often prescribed to treat cardiac problems. No clinical trials were identified and all the papers available were case reports. AND Search outcomeĪltogether 51 papers were found of which six were deemed relevant.
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Medline 1966–02/03 using the OVID interface. You have heard of treatment with intravenous glucagon but wonder if it has been of any proved benefit. An ECG shows a sinus bradycardia of 50 bpm.
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She is bradycardic and hypotensive despite initial resuscitation with oxygen and intravenous fluids. A 25 year old patient presents to the emergency department two hours after taking a significant overdose of propanolol.
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