beta-blocker
noun
be·ta-block·er
ˈbā-tə-ˌblä-kər 
: 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
Examples of beta-blocker in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Certain medications like beta-blockers can impact your heart rate.
—Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2025
People with heart failure often take diuretics, beta-blockers, or statins to help prevent the condition from progressing.
—Sarah Hudgens, Health, 12 Dec. 2024
These medications include diuretics (medications that remove excess fluids from the body), pseudoephedrine (a decongestant), beta-blockers (drugs that lower heart rate and reduce blood pressure), and statins (prescription drugs that lower cholesterol levels in the blood).51
6.
—Laura Schober, Health, 8 Dec. 2024
People with arrhythmias or heart block because beta-blockers can slow the heart rate, which may worsen some types of arrhythmias.
—Sara Hoffman, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024
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.
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
Certain medications like beta-blockers can impact your heart rate.
—Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2025
People with heart failure often take diuretics, beta-blockers, or statins to help prevent the condition from progressing.
—Sarah Hudgens, Health, 12 Dec. 2024
These medications include diuretics (medications that remove excess fluids from the body), pseudoephedrine (a decongestant), beta-blockers (drugs that lower heart rate and reduce blood pressure), and statins (prescription drugs that lower cholesterol levels in the blood).51
6.
—Laura Schober, Health, 8 Dec. 2024
People with arrhythmias or heart block because beta-blockers can slow the heart rate, which may worsen some types of arrhythmias.
—Sara Hoffman, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Beta-blocker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta-blocker. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
beta-blocker
noun
be·ta-block·er
-ˈbläk-ər
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share