Beta adrenergic blockers

Martinez Lagos, F., Carballeira, J.D., Bermudez, J.L. et al. (2004) Highly stereoselective reduction of haloketones using three new yeasts application to the synthesis of (S)-adrenergic beta-blockers related to propranolol. Tetrahedron Asymmetry, 15 (5), 763-770. 

Some of the side effects due to beta blockers such as the slowing of heart rate can be counteracted by administration of drugs which antagonize the alpha adrenergic receptors. The... 

Hnggett, D.B., Brooks, B.W., and Peterson, B. et al. (2002). Toxicity of select beta adrenergic receptor blocking pharmaceuticals (beta blockers) on aqnatic organisms. Archives Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 41, 229-235. 

Carvediol is a vasodilator with beta-adrenergic antagonist activity. It has cardioprotective activity in animal models. The antioxidant effect of carvediol was compared with five other beta blockers in iron-initiated lipid peroxidation, where it inhibited TBARs formation and protected membrane-bound tocopherol in rat brain homogenate (Yue et al., 1992a). The ortJ <)-substituted phenoxylethyl-amine is responsible for the improved antioxidant activity. 

Liggett, S. B., Mialet-Perez, J., Thaneemit-Chen, S., et al. (2006) A polymorphism within a conserved beta(l)-adrenergic receptor motif alters cardiac function and beta-blocker response in human heart failure. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 103,11288-11293. 

Beta blocker a compound that blocks p adrenergic receptors. 

Norepinephrine-Blocking Medications. There is some evidence that exaggerated norepinephrine activity plays a part in the affective instability, aggression, and impulsivity seen in a variety of psychiatric illnesses including the personality disorders. This may in fact explain why the TCAs, which tend to increase norepinephrine activity, have not proved helpful for BPD. Based on this theory, beta blockers, which interfere with norepinephrine activity at the beta-adrenergic receptor, may help in the treatment of impulsivity and aggression in those with BPD. 

Carteolol (Cartrol/ Ocupress Ophthalmic) [Beta Blocker/ Glaucoma Agent] Uses HTN, T lOP, chronic open-angle glaucoma Action Blocks [3-adrenergic receptors (p, 2)1 ISA Dose Ophth 1 gt in eye(s) bid Caution [C (1st tri) D (2nd 3rd tri), /-] Cardiac failure, asthma Contra Sinus bradycardia heart block >lst-degree bronchospasm Disp Ophth soln SE Drowsiness, sexual dysfxn, bradycardia, edema, CHF, ocular conjunctival... 

Sotalol (Betapace) [Antiarrhythmic, Antihypertensive/Beta Blocker] WARNING Monitor pts for 1st 3 d of Rx to 4- risks of arrhythmia Uses Ventricular arrhythmias, AF Action p-Adrenergic blocking agent Dose Adults. 80 mg PO bid may be T to 240-320 mg/d Peds. Neonates 9 mg/m tid... 

The administration of non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonists may change insulin requirements. An other consequence of the use of beta-blockers is their ability to mask the early symptoms of hypoglycemia. 

Clonidine, a central acting antihypertension agent (q 2 adrenergic agonist) is classically cited as an antimigraine drug although it is less effective than beta-blockers. 

Deficiency of adrenal medullary catecholamines appears to give no ill effects, and replacement therapy is therefore not used, but adrenal medullary tumours, phaeochromocytomas, secrete excess catecholamines often causing hypertension with dramatic episodes of headache, palpitations, pallor, sweating and anxiety. This condition is normally treated surgically, but preoperative preparation is mandatory to avoid catastrophic effects of surges of catecholamine release. A combination of alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor blockade is normally used, with drugs such as phenoxybenzamine or doxazosin as alpha-blockers, and propranolol as a non-selective beta-blocker. 

The detailed pharmacology of alpha and beta blockers is already discussed in chapter Adrenergic blocking agents. Only adrenergic blockers used in hypertension are discussed here. 

---