Beta Blockers (e.g., Bisoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol)
Absolute Contraindications
- Asthma or severe COPD
- Severe bradycardia (<50 bpm)
- Second- or third-degree heart block (without pacemaker)
- Severe hypotension or cardiogenic shock
Main Side Effects
- Bradycardia
- Fatigue, dizziness
- Cold extremities
- Depression, nightmares (lipophilic beta-blockers like propranolol) Main Interactions
- Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil) – risk of bradycardia
- Antidiabetics (may mask hypoglycaemia symptoms)
Main Monitoring Requirements
- Heart rate and blood pressure
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Generally avoided in pregnancy (except labetalol in hypertension)
- Use with caution in breastfeeding (atenolol may accumulate in infant plasma)