beta-blocker

noun

be·​ta-block·​er ˈbā-tə-ˌblä-kər How to pronounce beta-blocker (audio)
: 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
beta-blocking adjective

Examples of beta-blocker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beta-blocker was in 1965

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 18 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

beta-blocker

noun
be·​ta-block·​er -ˈbläk-ər How to pronounce beta-blocker (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on beta-blocker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!