The Most Popular Beta-blocker, Ranked

Choose the beta-blocker you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 06:50
In the realm of healthcare, understanding which medications are favored by the public can offer valuable insights into user experiences and preferences. For those managing heart conditions, anxiety, or high blood pressure, beta-blockers are a common prescription choice. Hence, identifying the most popular beta-blockers can help new patients navigate their options and find experiences similar to their own. By contributing votes to rank these medications, users provide guidance and support for others looking to make informed healthcare decisions. Each vote helps paint a clearer picture of which medications deliver the best balance of effectiveness and minimal side effects. This community-driven ranking aids in demystifying the array of choices and encourages a well-informed community.

What Is the Most Popular Beta-blocker?

  1. 1
    72
    votes
    This is the most prescribed beta-blocker in the United States due to its effectiveness in treating hypertension, angina, and heart failure. It also has a lower risk of causing side effects compared to other beta-blockers.
    Metoprolol is a beta-blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and heart failure. It works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in the body, such as epinephrine, on the heart and blood vessels. This helps to lower heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
    • Medical Use: Treatment of high blood pressure, angina, and heart failure
    • Type: Beta-blocker
    • Mode of Action: Blocks beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels
    • Administration: Oral tablets, intravenous injection
    • Onset of Action: Within one hour
  2. 2
    18
    votes
    This beta-blocker is commonly used to treat anxiety, performance anxiety, and migraines. It is also effective in treating hypertension and angina.
    Propranolol is a widely used beta-blocker medication that belongs to a class of drugs called non-selective beta-adrenergic blockers. It is primarily prescribed for treating conditions such as high blood pressure, angina, migraine headaches, and tremors. Propranolol works by blocking certain hormones like adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in the body, which helps to reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and the workload on the heart.
    • Drug Class: Non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker
    • Brand Names: Inderal, Innopran XL
    • FDA Approval: 1967
    • Half-Life: 3-6 hours
    • Dosage Forms: Tablet, capsule, extended-release capsule, oral solution
  3. 3
    9
    votes
    This beta-blocker is often prescribed to treat hypertension and angina. It has a longer half-life compared to other beta-blockers, which means it can be taken once a day.
    Atenolol is a beta-blocker medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions such as angina. It works by blocking the action of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels, thus reducing heart rate and blood pressure.
    • Generic Name: Atenolol
    • Brand Names: Tenormin, Tenoretic (with chlorthalidone)
    • Medical Uses: Hypertension, Angina, Acute myocardial infarction, Supraventricular tachycardia, Migraine prophylaxis
    • Administration: Oral tablets
    • Half-life: 6 to 7 hours
  4. 4
    3
    votes
    This beta-blocker is commonly used to treat hypertension and heart failure. It has a selective beta-1 blocking effect, which means it targets the heart specifically without affecting other organs.
    Bisoprolol is a selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker primarily used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart failure. It works by decreasing the heart rate and reducing the force of contraction of the heart, resulting in a lower blood pressure.
    • Brand Name: Zebeta, Concor
    • Class: Beta-blocker
    • Usage: Treatment of hypertension and heart failure
    • Route of Administration: Oral
    • Half-life: 10-12 hours
  5. 5
    11
    votes
    This beta-blocker is used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and angina. It has a dual mechanism of action, blocking both alpha and beta receptors, which makes it more effective in treating heart failure.
    Carvedilol is a beta-blocker medication that is commonly used to treat various cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and angina. It works by blocking the actions of certain chemicals in the body, thus reducing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure.
    • Generic Name: Carvedilol
    • Brand Names: Coreg, Coreg CR
    • Medical Uses: Hypertension, Heart Failure, Angina
    • Mechanism of Action: Non-selective beta-blocker with alpha1-blocking activity
    • Dosage Forms: Tablets (immediate and extended-release)
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    This beta-blocker is used to treat hypertension. It has a unique mechanism of action, increasing nitric oxide production, which helps relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
    Nebivolol is a beta-blocker medication that belongs to the third generation of beta-blockers. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. Nebivolol works by blocking the beta receptors in the heart, which reduces the heart rate and relaxes the blood vessels, resulting in lowered blood pressure.
    • Metabolism: Hepatic
    • Excretion: Renal
    • Indications: Hypertension, heart failure
    • Mechanism of action: Selective beta1 receptor antagonist and nitric oxide-dependent vasodilator
    • Dosage forms: Tablets
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    This beta-blocker is used to treat hypertension during pregnancy and in emergency situations, such as hypertensive crisis. It has a dual mechanism of action, blocking both alpha and beta receptors, which makes it more effective in lowering blood pressure.
    Labetalol is a beta-blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure. It works by blocking certain receptors in the heart and blood vessels, leading to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. Labetalol is often prescribed as a first-line treatment for hypertension, especially in pregnant women and those with coexisting cardiovascular conditions.
    • Generic Name: Labetalol
    • Brand Names: Normodyne, Trandate
    • Medical Use: Hypertension treatment
    • Administration: Oral tablets or intravenous injection
    • Dosage Forms: Tablets: 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg; Injection: 5 mg/mL
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    This beta-blocker is used to treat arrhythmias and hypertension in emergency situations. It has a short half-life, which makes it ideal for use in acute situations.
    Esmolol is a short-acting beta-blocker medication used to treat heart conditions like atrial fibrillation and tachycardia. It primarily works by reducing the heart rate and blood pressure.
    • Drug class: Beta-blocker
    • Administration: Intravenous (IV)
    • Half-life: Approximately 9 minutes
    • Onset of action: Rapid, within minutes
    • Metabolism: Rapidly metabolized by esterases in the blood
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    This beta-blocker is used to treat arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. It has both beta-blocking and anti-arrhythmic properties.
    Sotalol is a beta-blocker medication that is primarily used to treat and prevent abnormal heart rhythms, particularly atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. It works by blocking certain natural substances in the body, such as adrenaline, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
    • Trade name: Betapace, Betapace AF, Sorine
    • Chemical class: Beta-adrenergic antagonist and Class III antiarrhythmic agent
    • Indications: Treatment of abnormal heart rhythms, especially atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia
    • Administration: Oral tablets or intravenous injection
    • Half-life: Around 12-14 hours
  10. 10
    4
    votes
    This beta-blocker is used to treat glaucoma and hypertension. It reduces intraocular pressure by decreasing the production of aqueous humor.
    Timolol is a non-selective beta-blocker with both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic antagonist properties. It is commonly used in the treatment of conditions such as hypertension, angina, and glaucoma. By blocking the action of adrenaline and noradrenaline, timolol helps reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
    • Drug Class: Non-selective beta-blocker
    • Mechanism of Action: Beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic antagonist
    • Indications: Hypertension, angina, glaucoma
    • Route of Administration: Oral, ophthalmic (eye drops)
    • Half-Life: 4 to 5 hours

Missing your favorite beta-blocker?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular beta-blocker

  1. Efficacy
    The effectiveness of the beta-blocker in treating the targeted medical condition, like hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, heart failure, etc., should be considered.
  2. Safety and Tolerability
    The occurrence and severity of any potential side effects and the safety profile of the beta-blocker should be taken into account.
  3. Drug Interactions
    The potential for drug interactions with other medications that the patient may be taking should be considered.
  4. Onset and Duration of Action
    The time it takes for the beta-blocker to start working and how long its effects last should be analyzed.
  5. Selectivity
    Whether the beta-blocker is cardioselective (primarily affecting the heart) or non-selective (affecting both the heart and other organs) should be taken into account. Cardioselective beta-blockers are usually preferred for patients with respiratory issues.
  6. Dosing and Administration
    The frequency and ease of administration, as well as the required dosage, should be considered. A once-daily dosage may be more favorable for patient adherence.
  7. Availability and Cost
    The accessibility and financial burden to the patient should also be taken into account. Many patients may prefer a generic drug due to its lower cost.
  8. Patient Population
    The specific patient population and their unique needs should also be considered. For instance, some beta-blockers may be more suitable for elderly patients, while others may be better for younger patients or those with specific comorbidities.
  9. Expert Recommendations
    Recommendations from medical professionals, treatment guidelines, and consensus statements should also be considered in ranking beta-blockers.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular beta-blocker. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or beta-blocker is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1369 views
  • 148 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each beta-blocker once every 24 hours. The rank of each beta-blocker is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most popular beta-blocker

Beta-blockers are a class of medication that are commonly prescribed to treat a variety of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and angina. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the body, thereby reducing heart rate and blood pressure. Beta-blockers are also used to treat certain types of arrhythmias and migraines. There are several types of beta-blockers available, including metoprolol, atenolol, propranolol, and bisoprolol. Each type has its own unique properties and may be more effective for certain conditions than others. Despite their effectiveness in treating a range of conditions, beta-blockers can also have side effects, such as fatigue, dizziness, and sexual dysfunction. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking beta-blockers before starting any medication. Overall, beta-blockers are a widely used and effective medication for managing various heart conditions and should always be taken as directed by a healthcare professional.

Share this article