Beta-blockers are used for hypertension as well as for a variety of heart conditions.

Drugs that fall into this family include

  • Acebutolol hydrochloride (Sectral)
  • Atenolol (Tenormin)
  • Alprenolol
  • Betaxolol hydrochloride (Kerlone)
  • Bisoprolol fumarate (Zebeta)
  • Carteolol (Cartrol)
  • Carvedilol (Coreg)
  • Esmolol hydrochloride (Brevibloc)
  • Labetalol hydrochloride (Normodyne, Trandate)
  • Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
  • Nadolol (Corgard)
  • Penbutolol (Levatol)
  • Pindolol (Visken)
  • Propranolol hydrochloride (Betachron E-R, Inderal, Inderal LA)
  • Sotalol (Betapace)
  • Timolol maleate (Blocadren)
  • and others
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Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10 ) ]]>

Supplementation Possibly Helpful

There is some evidence that beta-blockers (specifically propranolol, metoprolol, and alprenolol) might impair the body's ability to utilize the substance coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10 ). ]]>1,2]]> This is particularly worrisome, because CoQ 10 appears to play a significant role in normal heart function. ]]>3]]> Depletion of CoQ 10 might be responsible for some of the side effects of beta-blockers. In one study, CoQ 10 supplements reduced side effects caused by the beta-blocker propranolol. ]]>4]]> The beta-blocker timolol may interfere with CoQ 10 production to a lesser extent than other beta-blockers.

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Chromium]]>

Possible Helpful Interaction

Beta-blockers have been known to reduce levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. According to one study, chromium supplementation can offset this adverse effect. ]]>5]]>

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Coleus forskohlii]]>

Theoretical Interaction

The herb Coleus forskohlii relaxes blood vessels and might have unpredictable effects on blood pressure if combined with beta-blockers.