beta-blocker

beta-blocker
be·ta-block·er (bāʹtə-blŏk'ər, bēʹ-) n.
A drug, such as propanolol, that opposes the excitatory effects of norepinephrine released from sympathetic nerve endings at beta-receptors and is used for the treatment of angina, hypertension, arrhythmia, and migraine. Also called beta-adrenergic blocking agent.

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▪ drug
in full  beta-adrenergic blocking agent 

      any of a group of synthetic drugs used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases and conditions of the sympathetic nervous system (nervous system, human). Stimulation by epinephrine (epinephrine and norepinephrine) of beta-adrenoreceptors, which are predominately found in cells of the heart and also are present in vascular and other smooth muscles, results in excitation of the sympathetic nervous system. Beta-blockers diminish reaction at the beta-adrenoreceptors, thereby preventing or decreasing excitation. The drugs are prescribed to control anxiety and hypertension and to treat a variety of cardiac conditions, including angina pectoris and cardiac arrythmias. They are also used in the treatment of glaucoma and to reduce the incidence of migraine headaches (headache). The drugs have proved to be successful in reducing a person's risk of a second heart attack.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Beta blocker — Beta blockers Drug class Skeletal formula of propranolol, the first clinically successful beta blocker ATC code C07 …   Wikipedia

  • beta blocker — beta blocking, adj. Pharm. any of various substances that interfere with the action of the beta receptors: used primarily to reduce the heart rate or force in the prevention, management, or treatment of angina, hypertension, or arrythmias. Also,… …   Universalium

  • beta blocker — n. any of a class of drugs used to control heartbeat, relieve angina pectoris, treat hypertension, etc. by blocking the nerve impulses that normally excite the beta receptors …   English World dictionary

  • beta blocker — ► NOUN ▪ a drug which prevents increased cardiac action, used to treat angina and reduce high blood pressure …   English terms dictionary

  • Beta-Blocker — Betablocker (Syn.: Beta Rezeptorenblocker, Beta Adrenozeptorenblocker, β Blocker) ist in der Medizin ein Sammelbegriff für eine Reihe ähnlich wirkender Arzneistoffe, die im Körper an β Rezeptoren als inverse Agonisten wirken und so die Wirkung… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Beta Blocker — Betablocker (Syn.: Beta Rezeptorenblocker, Beta Adrenozeptorenblocker, β Blocker) ist in der Medizin ein Sammelbegriff für eine Reihe ähnlich wirkender Arzneistoffe, die im Körper an β Rezeptoren als inverse Agonisten wirken und so die Wirkung… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • beta blocker — noun any of various drugs used in treating hypertension or arrhythmia; decreases force and rate of heart contractions by blocking beta adrenergic receptors of the autonomic nervous system • Syn: ↑beta blocking agent, ↑beta adrenergic blocker,… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Beta blocker — A class of drugs that block beta adrenergic substances such as adrenaline (epinephrine), a key agent in the sympathetic portion of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system. By blocking the action of the sympathetic nervous system on the heart,… …   Medical dictionary

  • beta-blocker — ˈ ̷ ̷  ̷ ̷ ˈ ̷ ̷  ̷ ̷ noun : any of a group of drugs (as propranolol) that combine with and block the activity of a beta receptor so as to decrease the heart rate and force of contractions and to lower high blood pressure and that are used… …   Useful english dictionary

  • beta-blocker — UK [ˈbiːtə ˌblɒkə(r)] / US [ˈbeɪtə ˌblɒkər] / US [ˈbɪtə ˌblɑkər] noun [countable] Word forms beta blocker : singular beta blocker plural beta blockers medical a drug that makes your heart work more slowly, used for treating high blood pressure …   English dictionary

  • beta blocker — [[t]bi͟ːtə blɒkə(r), AM be͟ɪtə [/t]] beta blockers N COUNT A beta blocker is a drug which is used to treat people who have high blood pressure or heart problems …   English dictionary

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