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
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 Q10
(CoQ10).1,2
This is particularly worrisome, because CoQ10
appears to play a significant role in normal heart function.
3
Depletion of CoQ10
might be responsible for some of the side effects of beta-blockers. In one study, CoQ10
supplements reduced side effects caused by the beta-blocker propranolol.4
The beta-blocker timolol may interfere with CoQ10
production to a lesser extent than other beta-blockers.
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
Theoretical Interaction
The herb
Coleus forskohlii
relaxes blood vessels and might have unpredictable effects on blood pressure if combined with beta-blockers.
Kishi H, et al. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine. III. Inhibition of coenzyme Q10
-enzymes by clinically used anti-hypertensive drugs.
Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol.
1975;12:533-540.
Kishi T, et al. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine. XV. Inhibition of coenzyme Q10
-enzymes by clinically used adrenergic blockers of beta receptors.
Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol.
1977;17:157-164.
Folkers K. Basic chemical research on coenzyme Q10
and integrated clinical research on therapy of diseases. As cited in: Lenaz G, ed. Coenzyme Q. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons; 1985.
Hamada M, Kazatain Y, Ochi T, et al. Correlation between serum CoQ10
level and myocardial contractility in hypertensive patients. In: Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q, Vol 4. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 1984: 263-270.
Roeback JR, et al. Effects of chromium supplementation on serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in men taking beta-blockers. A randomized, controlled trial.
Ann Intern Med.
1991;115:917-924.
Last reviewed October 2007 by EBSCO CAM Review Board
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.
