Heart Disease and Beta-Blocker Therapy

Do Other Drugs Interact With Beta-Blockers?

A beta-blocker is often prescribed with a diuretic, ACE inhibitor, or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). If you have side effects after taking your heart drugs together, contact your doctor or nurse. You may need to change the times you are taking each medication.

It is important that your doctor is aware of all the drugs you are taking, as some may have the potential to interact with beta-blockers. Talk to your doctor before taking any new medication, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and supplements.

Can Pregnant Women Take Beta-Blockers?

Use of beta-blockers during pregnancy may cause slowed heart rate, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure in the baby. Women should inform their doctor if they are trying to become pregnant or become pregnant while on beta-blockers.

Some beta-blockers can pass to the infant through breast milk, causing low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, or slowed heart rate in the baby. Others can slow the flow of breast milk. Alternative feeding methods may need to be used.

Can Children Take Beta-Blockers?

The safety of beta-blockers in children has not been scientifically established, but there is no evidence yet that the side effects in children are any different than in adults.

Discuss the risks and benefits of beta-blocker therapy with your child's doctor.

Can Elderly People Take Beta-Blockers?

Beta-blockers are frequently prescribed to older people, but they usually need lower doses to be effective. In addition, elderly people often have more side effects.