Beta Blockers

Beta Blockers are medicines used to treat heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions. Beta Blockers limit how fast the heart can pump. Beta Blockers also prevent the blood vessels from squeezing too tight. They all come in tablet, capsule, or liquid forms.

Four common Beta Blockers are:

• Atenolol (Brand name: Tenormin)
• Carvedilol (Brand name: Coreg, Coreg CR)
• Metoprolol (Brand names: Kapspargo Sprinkle, Toprol XL, Lopressor)
• Propranolol (Brand names: Hemangeol, Inderal LA, Inderal XL, InnoPran XL)

• Give it to your child as prescribed by your doctor.
• Tablets and capsules should generally be taken whole by mouth. Liquid form can be given by mouth or by feeding tube.
• Give it to your child at the same time every day. The time between doses is important because taking it too close together may lower your child’s blood pressure and heart rate too much.
• The medicine works best when your child always has an even amount in their system. This happens when the doses are spaced apart in equal amounts of time.
• Do not stop giving the medicine suddenly. This can cause unsafe changes in your child’s heart rate and blood pressure.

If your child takes medicine 3 or 4 times a day:

• Skip the dose you forgot and resume the regular schedule.
• Do not try to catch up or give a double dose. 

If your child takes medicine 2 times a day:

If you missed the morning dose:

• If you remember the morning dose before noon, give the dose when you remember and stay on the regular schedule.
• If you remember the morning dose after noon, skip the dose you forgot and resume the regular schedule.

If you missed the evening dose:

• If you remember the dose before midnight, give the dose when you remember and stay on the regular schedule.
• If you remember the dose after midnight, skip the dose you forgot and resume the regular schedule.
• Call your child’s healthcare provider or the Heart Center if your child misses more than 2 doses. 

Try to plan ahead so you never run out of medication. Call your pharmacy when you are getting low on medicine. Your pharmacy will contact us about refills. Your child’s clinic visit is the best time to make sure your child is getting the right dose and has enough refills of the medicine.

Call us if your child has any of these symptoms:

• Blood pressure and/or heart rate are too low
• Feeling tired or weak
• Sleeping more than usual
• Low mood
• Dizziness
• Trouble thinking clearly
• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Infants sleeping more than usual, eating poorly

• Bring a list of your child’s medicines to each clinic appointment.
• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.