Beta-Adrenergic Blockers

Also indexed as: Betagan, Brevibloc®, Carteolol, Cartrol®, Celectol®, Celiprolol, Esmolol, Levatol®, Levobunolol, Metipranolol, Nebilet®, Nebivolol, Ocupress®, OptiPranolol, Oxprenolol, Penbutolol, Pindolol, Slow-Trasicor®, Trasicor®, 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.

Oral forms

Acebutolol (Sectral®)
Atenolol (Tenormin®)
Betaxolol (Kerlone®)
Bisoprolol (Zebeta®)
Carteolol (Cartrol®)
Esmolol (Brevibloc®)
Labetalol (Normodyne®, Trandate®)
Metoprolol (Lopressor®)
Nadolol (Corgard®)
Penbutolol (Levatol®)
Pindolol (Visken®)
Propranolol (Inderal®)
Sotalol (Betapace®)
Timolol (Blocadren®)

Ophthalmic forms

Betaxolol (Betoptic®)
Carteolol (Ocupress®)
Levobunolol (Betagan®)
Metipranolol (OptiPranolol®)
Timolol (Timoptic®)

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.	High-potassium foods Pleurisy root Potassium supplements
Depletion or interference	None known
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 chemist.

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 Dietary 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
(To view, roll mouse over heading; to hide, click on heading)

1. Rosa RM, Silva P, Young JB, et al. Adrenergic modulation of extrarenal potassium disposal. N Engl J Med 1980;302:431–4.

2. Lundborg P. The effect of adrenergic blockade on potassium concentrations in different conditions. Acta Med Scand Suppl 1983;672:121–6 [review].

3. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article.

Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.

Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs

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 chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.

Product Search

Health Information Search

Skip to:

Skip to:

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Interactions with Herbs