Drug Interactions:
Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers are used for hypertension as well as for a variety of heart conditions.

Drugs that fall into this family include

• acebutolol hydrochloride (Sectral)
• atenolol (Tenormin)
• alprenolol
• betaxolol hydrochloride (Kerlone)
• bisoprolol fumarate (Zebeta)
• carteolol (Cartrol)
• carvedilol (Coreg)
• esmolol hydrochloride (Brevibloc)
• labetalol hydrochloride (Normodyne, Trandate)
• metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
• nadolol (Corgard)
• penbutolol (Levatol)
• pindolol (Visken)
• propranolol hydrochloride (Betachron E-R, Inderal, Inderal LA)
• sotalol (Betapace)
• timolol maleate (Blocadren)
• and others

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Supplementation Possibly Helpful

There is some evidence that beta-blockers (specifically propranolol, metoprolol, and alprenolol) might impair the body's ability to utilize the substance coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀).^1,2 This is particularly worrisome, because CoQ₁₀ appears to play a significant role in normal heart function.³ Depletion of CoQ₁₀ might be responsible for some of the side effects of beta-blockers. In one study, CoQ₁₀ supplements reduced side effects caused by the beta-blocker propranolol.⁴ The beta-blocker timolol may interfere with CoQ₁₀ production to a lesser extent than other beta-blockers.

Chromium

Possible Helpful Interaction

Beta-blockers have been known to reduce levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. According to one study, chromium supplementation can offset this adverse effect.⁵

Coleus forskohlii

Theoretical Interaction

The herb Coleus forskohlii relaxes blood vessels and might have unpredictable effects on blood pressure if combined with beta-blockers.

Last reviewed March 2002 by Medical Review Board

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