beta-blocker
noun
be·ta-block·er
ˈbā-tə-ˌblä-kər 
: any of a class of drugs (such as propranolol) that decrease the rate and force of heart contractions and lower high blood pressure by blocking the activity of beta-receptors
Examples of beta-blocker in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
People with arrhythmias or heart block because beta-blockers can slow the heart rate, which may worsen some types of arrhythmias.
—
Sara Hoffman, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024
Summary Atenolol and metoprolol are beta-blockers that primarily act on beta receptors in the heart.
—Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024
Common blood pressure medications, like calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers and diuretics, can have effects such as increasing the likelihood of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances during extreme heat.
—Katia Hetter, CNN, 21 June 2024
During the trial, which took about an hour and 40 minutes, no one could drink water and those who were on heart drugs like beta-blockers skipped their doses.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 10 June 2024
Other medications, like glucagon, can be used in conjunction with epinephrine to reverse the effects of beta-blocker medications.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 7 May 2024
Some side effects of beta-blockers may include fatigue, depression, and headache.
—John Loeppky, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2024
Certain medications—such as some antidepressants and ADHD medications—can raise your heart rate too, while others, such as beta-blockers, lower it.
—Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 6 Apr. 2024
In another 2003 study of beta-blockers for cardiac disease and hypertension, telling patients that treatment side effects might include erectile dysfunction (ED) led to a doubling of patients reporting this problem compared with those not given information about ED risk.
—TIME, 4 Apr. 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sara Hoffman, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024
Summary Atenolol and metoprolol are beta-blockers that primarily act on beta receptors in the heart.
—Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024
Common blood pressure medications, like calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers and diuretics, can have effects such as increasing the likelihood of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances during extreme heat.
—Katia Hetter, CNN, 21 June 2024
During the trial, which took about an hour and 40 minutes, no one could drink water and those who were on heart drugs like beta-blockers skipped their doses.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 10 June 2024
Other medications, like glucagon, can be used in conjunction with epinephrine to reverse the effects of beta-blocker medications.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 7 May 2024
Some side effects of beta-blockers may include fatigue, depression, and headache.
—John Loeppky, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2024
Certain medications—such as some antidepressants and ADHD medications—can raise your heart rate too, while others, such as beta-blockers, lower it.
—Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 6 Apr. 2024
In another 2003 study of beta-blockers for cardiac disease and hypertension, telling patients that treatment side effects might include erectile dysfunction (ED) led to a doubling of patients reporting this problem compared with those not given information about ED risk.
—TIME, 4 Apr. 2024
Dictionary Entries Near beta-blocker
Cite this Entry
“Beta-blocker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta-blocker. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
beta-blocker
noun
be·ta-block·er
-ˈbläk-ər
: any of a group of drugs (as propranolol) that combine with and block the activity of a beta-receptor to decrease the heart rate and force of contractions and lower high blood pressure and that are used especially to treat hypertension, angina pectoris, and ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias compare alpha-blocker
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share