Before taking beta-blockers, make sure your doctor is aware of any other conditions you have as they may not be suitable to use.
When to avoid them
You should normally avoid taking beta-blockers if you have:
- a history of asthma or narrowing of the airways (some beta-blockers may be occasionally used in people with these conditions, but only under the supervision of a doctor)
- heart block (where the heart beats irregularly or more slowly than usual)
- worsening, unstable heart failure (although beta-blockers can be used to treat stable heart failure)
- severe peripheral arterial disease (partial or total blockage of an artery, usually one leading to a leg or arm)
Make sure your doctor is aware if you have a history of allergic reaction to any medication.
Using them with caution
Beta-blockers should be used with caution if you have:
- diabetes (especially in diabetics who have frequent episodes of low blood sugar)
- myasthenia gravis (a condition that causes muscle weakness)
- slow heart rate
- low blood pressure (hypotension)
- phaeochromocytoma (high blood pressure caused by a tumour of the adrenal gland)
- metabolic acidosis (high levels of acid in the blood)
- Prinzmetal's angina (type of chest pain)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Some beta-blockers may be suitable for use in some stages of pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
Your GP can tell you which medicine to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Stopping beta-blocker treatment
Beta-blocker treatment must not be stopped suddenly without your GP's advice. Suddenly stopping the medicine may cause your condition to get worse, for example if you are taking it to treat angina or following a heart attack.
