Beta-Blockers: General and mechanism of action
Beta-blockers are drugs that serve to lower blood pressure. They block b-adrenoreceptors which are responsible for the release of the stress hormone adrenaline and the neurotransmitter noradrenaline. Adrenaline acts on the adrenal receptors of the body.
Through its mediation, the vascular tone (degree of vessel opening) is increased, which leads to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. If this mechanism is switched off by beta-blockers, the heart rate and blood pressure decrease. Beta-blockers are among the most prescribed drugs in Germany. One of the active ingredients of beta-blockers is metoprolol. Metoprolol primarily attacks b1-receptors.
Side effects of beta-blockers
Special care should be taken when taking beta-blockers in the presence of bronchial asthma or existing bradycardias (low heart rate). Bradycardia is assumed to occur at a heart rate of less than 60 per minute.Another contraindication of beta-blockers is heart failure or existing conduction disorders of the heart. Beta-blockers are generally very well tolerated and can be taken over a long period of time.
However, treatment should always be carried out under medical supervision. Basic side effects that can occur are In rare cases, arrhythmias and circulatory disorders of the peripheral (remote) vessels can also occur. Side effects may also be noticeable in the skin area.
Under certain circumstances these can be rashes, itching or reddening of the skin. In the area of the gastrointestinal tract, nausea, vomiting, as well as diarrhea and constipation may occur. If any kind of side effects occur, a doctor should always be consulted and the intake of beta-blockers should be discontinued under certain circumstances.
- Bradycardia (slowed heartbeat),
- Heart failure, asthma attacks,
- Transitional disorders of the heart
- But also fatigue, depressed mood and erectile dysfunction.
Interactions with parallel intake of ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers
The most common interactions of the two drugs are based on their combined effect as an antihypertensive drug. The effect of the beta-blocker and the ACE inhibitor can be enhanced by taking them in parallel. This can lead to an increased drop in blood pressure and thus trigger bradycardia (low heart rate).
Bradycadia can cause very different symptoms. These can range from freedom from symptoms to fainting or even complete cardiac arrest. The rapid drop in blood pressure can lead to the development of heart muscle weakness.
In addition to bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmia can also occur which, in the worst case, can lead to heart failure. It should be noted that the interaction may vary depending on the type of medication taken, for example in tablet form or by injection. When taking oral antidiabetics (drugs Diabetes mellitus), it is important to note that both ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers enhance the effect of these drugs.
This can lead to increased hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycaemia is manifested by tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and tremor (tremor). If beta-blockers and/or ACE inhibitors are taken, regular blood sugar monitoring by a doctor is required.
The parallel intake of beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors should therefore always be discussed with the doctor to rule out a mutual increase in blood pressure reduction. If co-medication of the two drugs cannot be prevented, this should always be done under monitoring of the heart rate and blood pressure by your doctor. If interactions occur, the dosage of both drugs should be adjusted or one of the drugs should be discontinued.
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