Beta Blockers: Propranolol, Timolol, Nadolol, Metoprolol, Esmolol, Atenolol, Acebutalol, Pindolol, Labetalol mnemonic

Beta Blockers

Names end with "-lol" [lollipop]
Nonselective blockers of both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors [block lower portion of the adrenergic clover]
- Propranolol [propane torch lollipop]
  - Vasoconstrictor [artery shrinks when heated above propane torch]
  - Slows down the heart (beta-1 effect) and so decrease oxygen consumption and is effective in relief of heart ischemia or angina [snail heart with a snorkel]
  - Decreases blood pressure [low BP indicator]
  - Treatment of arrhythmias [trembling heart]
  - Prophylaxis against migraine headaches [splitting head pain]
  - Relief of glaucoma [empties the glue eye]
  - Bronchoconstrictor [flame shrinks trachea]
  - Decreases effects of hyperthyroidism [flame burns off part of thyroid]
  - Decreases excretion of sodium [burner burns through vessel going from salt shaker to kidney]
  - Decreases blood sugar levels (epinephrine normally increases it) [flame melting the sugar cube]
- Drugs with similar effects:
  - Timolol [timer lollipop]
    - Especially useful for treatment of glaucoma [timer hand points to glaucoma]
  - Nadolol [nads & lollipop]
selective beta-1 blockers [red beta-1 position in the adrenergic clover]
- Normally beta-1 receptors stimulate the heart [heart on beta-1 portion]
- Blockage produces bradycardia and decrease in blood pressure [snail heart and low BP indicator]
- metoprolol ["me top" lollipop]
- Esmolol [easel lollipop]
  - Fast onset of action [running]
  - Intravenous administration [syringe]
- Atenolol ["a 10" lollipop]
- Acebutalol [ace boot lollipop] and pindolol [pin lollipop]
  - Have a weak beta-stimulatory effect, but block stronger agonists (e.g. epinephrine) [stomp out beta-part of adrenergic clover, but weakly make it glow]
  - Labetalol [label lollipop]
    - Blocks alpha-1 and beta receptors [label stuck on alpha & beta receptors]