What it means
A group of drugs whose generic names end in "-olol", such as metoprolol, atenolol, carvedilol and propranolol. By blocking beta receptors, they slow the heart, lower the force of each beat and lower blood pressureBLUD PRESH-erThe force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries, written as systolic over diastolic in mm Hg.Full entry . They are used for hypertensionhy-per-TEN-shunBlood pressure that stays higher than normal, at or above 130/80 mm Hg by current US guidelines.hyper- above, more than normaltension pressureFull entry , anginaan-JY-nuhChest pain or pressure that happens when the heart muscle does not get enough blood and oxygen.Full entry , heart failurehart FAYL-yerA long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.Full entry , fast heart rhythms, after a heart attack and for some tremors and migraines. Some (cardioselective) act mainly on the heart; others (nonselective) also act on the lungs.
For the nurse
Check the apical pulse and blood pressure before each dose and hold it per the parameters (often heart rate below 60 or a low systolic pressure), then report. Teach the client not to stop suddenly, to rise slowly and that the drug can hide the fast heartbeat of hypoglycemiahy-poh-gly-SEE-mee-uhA blood glucose level below normal, under 70 mg/dL.hypo- belowglyc/o sugar, glucose-emia in the bloodFull entry . Nonselective beta blockers can tighten the airways in clients with asthmaAZ-muhA long-term lung disease in which the airways become inflamed and narrow from time to time.Full entry . IV forms are on the ISMP high-alert list.
In a chart
"Apical pulse 52; metoprolol held per parameters; provider notified."
Remember it
"-olol" slows it all.
At a glance
| Drug class | beta-adrenergic blocker |
|---|---|
| Spanish | betabloqueante |
| Also written | beta blockers, beta-blocker, beta-blockers, beta-adrenergic blocker, beta-adrenergic blockers, beta-adrenergic blocking agent, beta adrenergic blocking agents, β-blocker |
Related terms
hypertension
Blood pressure that stays higher than normal, at or above 130/80 mm Hg by current US guidelines.
bradycardia
A heart rate slower than normal; in an adult, fewer than 60 beats per minute.
heart rate
How many times the heart beats per minute.
antihypertensive
A drug that lowers blood pressure.