0
0
January 11, 2025 – Experts have responded to recent concerns about the safety of beta-blockers, affirming that these commonly prescribed medications are generally well-tolerated and do not commonly cause a drop in potassium levels, despite an official alert from the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC).
Beta-blockers, which include drugs like Metoprolol, Propranolol, and Atenolol, are widely used to manage conditions such as hypertension and irregular heartbeat. By blocking the effects of hormones like adrenaline on nerve cells, these drugs relax blood vessels and slow the heart rate, offering significant benefits to patients with cardiovascular conditions.
Earlier this week, the IPC, an autonomous body under the Union Ministry of Health, issued a cautionary notice warning that beta-blockers could potentially cause a serious side effect—low potassium levels, or hypokalaemia. Symptoms of hypokalaemia include muscle weakness, fatigue, heart palpitations, and elevated blood pressure, all of which could pose significant health risks.
However, leading experts have expressed their concern over the validity of this warning, noting that beta-blockers are not commonly associated with a decrease in potassium levels. Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman of the Kerala State IMA Research Cell, stated, “Beta-blockers are not known to cause hypokalaemia. The issue of low potassium is more likely in individuals taking diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide or frusemide, which are often prescribed alongside beta-blockers for those with high blood pressure.”
Dr. Jayadevan emphasized that beta-blockers alone are unlikely to result in hypokalaemia. He added that diuretics, which help eliminate excess fluids from the body, are typically the cause of potassium imbalances, and that patients taking only beta-blockers are not at significant risk.
Cardiologist Dr. Ashwani Mehta, based at a prominent city hospital, criticized the IPC’s alert as unnecessary and misleading. “We’ve been prescribing beta-blockers for 25 to 30 years without any major issues related to hypokalaemia, except in cases with pre-existing serious comorbidities,” he explained. “This alert has caused unnecessary panic among patients, but there’s no need to worry about the side effects of beta-blockers.”
While the IPC advised healthcare professionals and patients to remain vigilant regarding potential adverse reactions, experts have reassured the public that the risk of potassium imbalance from beta-blockers alone remains minimal.
Dr. Mehta further reassured patients, saying, “Beta-blockers are one of the safest and most well-tolerated medications in our practice. There’s no reason to panic over potential side effects, and patients should continue their treatment unless advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.”
The discussion over the safety of beta-blockers highlights the need for balanced information and clear communication regarding the risks and benefits of medications used to manage heart and blood pressure conditions.
