New Delhi, Jan 10 (NationPress) Experts emphasized that beta-blockers are not typically associated with lowering potassium levels and are considered a well-tolerated medication. Their comments come in response to a recent alert from a government body regarding these widely used drugs for managing blood pressure and heart conditions.
Beta-blockers, which are frequently prescribed for issues such as irregular heartbeats and hypertension, operate by blocking the effects of hormones like adrenaline on nerve cells. This mechanism leads to the relaxation and dilation (widening) of blood vessels, while also slowing the heart rate.
This week, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), an autonomous entity under the Union Health Ministry, released a cautionary notice indicating that beta-blockers could potentially pose a serious risk of low potassium levels, a condition referred to as hypokalaemia.
Symptoms of low potassium can manifest as muscle weakness, fatigue, heart palpitations, and elevated blood pressure, among other issues.
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman of the Kerala State IMA Research Cell, stated, “Beta-blockers are not generally known to induce hypokalaemia”, and highlighted that individuals who are only on a beta-blocker are highly unlikely to experience this issue.
He further clarified that low potassium levels are primarily seen in individuals using diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide and frusemide, which are medications that assist in reducing fluid accumulation within the body.
“Diuretics are frequently prescribed alongside beta-blockers for patients with hypertension. Hypokalaemia can lead to muscle cramps, weakness, and dangerous heart rhythm irregularities. Therefore, someone taking only a beta-blocker is extremely unlikely to develop this complication,” Jayadevan noted.
The IPC's recent alert recommended that healthcare professionals and patients “closely monitor for any adverse reactions related to the medications in question.” The beta-blockers highlighted in the safety warning include Metoprolol, Propranolol, and Atenolol.
Dr. Ashwani Mehta, a cardiologist from a local hospital, deemed the alert unnecessary, stating that it has sparked undue panic among patients.
“We have extensively used beta-blockers in our nation for about 25 to 30 years. Rarely have we seen any patients develop hypokalaemia, unless there are serious underlying conditions that contribute to it,” Mehta asserted.
“In my view, beta-blockers do not lead to significant hyperkalemia. They are among the most well-tolerated medications. This alert has caused unnecessary worry among the public,” Mehta reassured.
He encouraged individuals to “not be alarmed by possible side effects.”
