beta blocker

American  

Or beta-blocker

noun

Pharmacology.

1. any of various substances that interfere with the action of the beta receptors: used primarily to reduce the heart rate or force in the prevention, management, or treatment of angina, hypertension, or arrythmias.

---

beta-blocker British  

noun

1. any of a class of drugs, such as propranolol, that inhibit the activity of the nerves that are stimulated by adrenaline; they therefore decrease the contraction and speed of the heart: used in the treatment of high blood pressure and angina pectoris

---

beta-blocker Scientific  

/ bā′tə-blŏk′ər /

1. A drug that blocks the excitatory effects of epinephrine on the cardiovascular system by binding to cell-surface receptors (called beta-receptors). Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and certain abnormal heart rhythms.

---

Other Word Forms

• beta-blocking adjective

Etymology

Origin of beta blocker

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Ulixacaltamide could also provide an alternative to propranolol, a beta blocker used to treat a number of conditions, including essential tremor, which received its first FDA approval in 1967.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 16, 2025

Regardless, he and others hope for clinical trials to test whether preventive strategies, such as taking beta blocker drugs, might head off heart failure in someone flagged as high risk after COVID-19.

From Science Magazine • Sep. 15, 2020

“Calm never felt so close,” promises a marquee on Hers’ beta blocker page; if you place an order, the blockers will arrive with a card that says “ain’t nobody got time for chamomile tea.”

From Slate • Jun. 25, 2019

The combination of regular, strenuous exercise in the morning, with the intermittent use of a beta blocker is, by far, for me, the best management of chronic depression....and.....the sleep disruption associated with it.

From New York Times • Mar. 10, 2017

But your neurologist might prescribe a beta blocker, which also reduces blood pressure, to prevent migraines.

From Washington Post • Jan. 6, 2017