Sketchy Pharm: Beta Blockers

Question 1

__________ should be included as first-line therapy for acute coronary syndrome.

Answer 1

Beta-1-blockers (such as atenolol or metoprolol)

Question 2

Beta-blockers have been shown to reduce mortality in what two groups of cardiac conditions?

Answer 2

ACS and heart failure

Question 3

Labetalol is used in what population?

Answer 3

Pregnant women (the pregnant organist playing the alpha-beta-lol organ) – “la-babies-ok”

Question 4

Which beta-blocker is used in those with aortic dissection?

Answer 4

Labetalol (recall the dissected organ pipe)

Question 5

________ storms are also treated with beta-blockers. Why?

Answer 5

Thyroid; because the increase in thyroid activity leads to increased catecholamine levels, and beta-blockers such as propranolol can help tamp down those effects.

Question 6

What does the metal head signify in this drawing?

Answer 6

Migraines! Nonspecific beta-blockers can treat migraines

Question 7

What is an important contraindication of beta-blockers?

Answer 7

Any situation with increased risk of AV block; beta-blockers slow conduction through the AV node, so do not give beta-blockers to a patient is taking drugs that slow conduction or to a patient with a 2nd or 3rd degree heart block

Question 8

What three side effects of nonselective beta-blockers are shown in the tuba orchestra?

Answer 8

Impotence (the floppy tromboner)
Increased mucus secretions (the blue-bloater with the leaking spit valve)
Decreased aqueous humor production (eyeball block with leaking fluid)

Question 9

What are two beta-blockers that have partial agonist activity?

Answer 9

Acebutolol (the plastic bugle played by the young –partial –player in the audience)
Pindolol (the boy popping the heart-shaped balloon)

Question 10

What drug treats beta-blocker overdose?

Answer 10

Glucagon, because it stimulates the glucagon receptors of the heart (think of the conductor with the glucagon packets underneath his stand)