Beta Blockers Cheatsheet

This nursing cheatsheet will help you learn about beta blockers, a class of medications primarily used in cardiovascular conditions. They work by inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), leading to decreased heart rate, lower blood pressure, arterial and venous dilation, and smooth muscle relaxation. Beta blockers are categorized into cardio-selective (Beta-1) and non-selective (Beta-2). Examples of Beta-1 blockers include Atenolol, Esmlol, Metoprolol, and Bisoprolol, while non-selective blockers include Carvedilol, Labetalol, Propranolol, and Sotalol. Beta blockers are indicated for hypertension, angina, heart failure, cardiac protection post-myocardial infarction, dysrhythmias, migraines, and glaucoma. Contraindications include uncompensated heart failure, cardiogenic shock, heart block or bradycardia, and severe pulmonary disease. Side effects can range from cardiovascular issues like hypotension and bradycardia, to central nervous system effects like headache and dizziness, and gastrointestinal symptoms​​​​​​​​​​.