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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 30 No. 1 2007
Beta blockers
Beta blockers are a type of medicine used to treat high blood pressure. Commonly used beta blockers are atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol. By reducing a patient's blood pressure beta blockers can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Research has found that beta blockers work just as well as newer medicines. In older people beta blockers may not prevent as many strokes as other medicines, but they are still good for treating high blood pressure.
Many people need more than one medicine to control their blood pressure. Beta blockers are therefore often used with other medicines.
