Autonomics: beta blockers

Question 1

acebutolol
(partial agonist), atenolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol,
esmolol, metoprolol

Answer 1

β1-selective antagonists (β1 > β2)

Note: Selective antagonists mostly go from A to M (β1
with 1st half of alphabet)

Question 2

nadolol,

pindolol (partial agonist), propranolol, timolol

Answer 2

Nonselective antagonists (β1 = β2)

Note: NonZelective antagonists mostly go from N to Z
β2 with 2nd half of alphabet

Question 3

carvedilol,

labetalol

Answer 3

Nonselective α- and β-antagonists

Note: Nonselective α- and β-antagonists have modified
suffixes (instead of “-olol”)

Question 4

Nebivolol

Answer 4

combines cardiac-selective
β1‑adrenergic blockade with stimulation of
β3‑receptors (activate nitric oxide synthase in
the vasculature and ↓ SVR)

Note: Nebivolol increases NO

Question 5

adverse effects of β-blockers

Answer 5

Erectile dysfunction, cardiovascular
(bradycardia, AV block, HF), CNS (seizures,
sleep alterations), dyslipidemia (metoprolol),
and asthma/COPD exacerbations

Note: Use of β-blockers for acute cocaine-associated
chest pain remains controversial due to
unsubstantiated concern for unopposed
α-adrenergic stimulation.