NEW DELHI New Delhi: Beta blockers are not generally known to lower potassium levels, and are a well-tolerated drug, experts said on Friday against these commonly used medicines for blood pressure and heart Expressing concern over the government body's warning on the drugs being used. Beta-blockers are commonly prescribed medications for conditions such as irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure. It works by blocking the action of hormones such as adrenaline on nerve cells, causing blood vessels to relax and dilate (widen), and also slowing the heart rate.
Earlier this week, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), an autonomous body under the Union health ministry, issued a warning that beta-blockers, which are drugs commonly prescribed for conditions like irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure, can cause low potassium. Low levels of potassium can cause a potentially serious risk, known as hypokalemia. Symptoms of low potassium can include muscle weakness, fatigue, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. “Beta blockers are not generally known to cause hypokalemia,” Dr Rajiv Jayadevan, chairman of the Kerala state IMA research cell, told IANS. He added that “people taking only beta-blockers are much less likely to develop this problem.”
Jayadevan explained that “low levels of potassium can only occur in people who use diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide and frusemide.” Diuretics are medications that help reduce fluid buildup in the body. “People with high blood pressure often take diuretics along with beta-blockers. Hypokalemia, or low levels of potassium, is known to cause muscle cramps, weakness, and dangerous abnormalities in heart rhythm. Therefore, anyone who is taking only a beta blocker is, the chances of developing this problem are very low,” Jayadevan told IANS. In its latest alert, the IPC advised healthcare professionals, patients/consumers to “closely monitor the potential for adverse drug reactions with the use of suspect medications.” Beta-blockers that are mentioned in drug safety warnings include metoprolol, propranolol, and atenolol.
Dr Ashwini Mehta, a cardiologist at a city hospital, called the move unnecessary, which has caused panic among patients. Mehta said, “We have been using beta blockers extensively in our country for the last 25 to 30 years. Hypokalemia has rarely occurred in any of our patients, unless there was a serious comorbidity causing hypokalemia.”
Mehta said, “I do not think that beta blockers can cause severe hyperkalemia. They are one of the very well-tolerated drugs. This warning has created panic among the general public, which is really not needed.” The cardiologist assured people “not to be worried about various side effects.”
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