beta-blocker

noun

be·​ta-block·​er ˈbā-tə-ˌblä-kər How to pronounce beta-blocker (audio)
: any of a class of drugs (such as propranolol) that decrease the rate and force of heart contractions and lower high blood pressure by blocking the activity of beta-receptors
beta-blocking adjective

Examples of beta-blocker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some also take beta-blockers to manage symptoms like a rapid heart rate and tremors. Angela Haupt, Time, 16 June 2025 Untreated Graves’ disease can lead to heart problems and osteoporosis, and treatments include medication like beta-blockers and antithyroid agents, as well as radioiodine therapy and surgery. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 14 June 2025 Some antidepressants, beta-blockers, sleep aids (like antihistamines and others) interfere with thermoregulation or sleep/REM architecture; consult your clinician about summer dosage tweaks. Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 Bathing too frequently, using hot water to shower, and spending a long time bathing Medications like diuretics, beta-blockers, contraceptives, and retinoids1 4. Sherri Gordon, Health, 6 June 2025 Medications Certain prescription medications, such as beta-blockers used to treat high blood pressure, are famous for causing a runny nose as a side effect, Reisacher says. Sarah Klein, Time, 9 May 2025 People who are pregnant or lactating, taking beta-blockers, or have liver disease should consult their healthcare provider before adding green tea to their daily routines. Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025 Selective beta-blocker: This type of beta-blocker primarily targets beta-1 receptors, which are found in the heart. Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025 There are trials of beta-blockers in breast cancer. Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beta-blocker was in 1965

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Cite this Entry

“Beta-blocker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta-blocker. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

beta-blocker

noun
be·​ta-block·​er -ˈbläk-ər How to pronounce beta-blocker (audio)
: any of a group of drugs (as propranolol) that combine with and block the activity of a beta-receptor to decrease the heart rate and force of contractions and lower high blood pressure and that are used especially to treat hypertension, angina pectoris, and ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias compare alpha-blocker

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