Beta-Blockers
Considering a supplement or medicine with Beta-Blockers? Use this reference to focus your interaction questions around commonly recognized products such as Metoprolol, Atenolol, and Propranolol.
Interactions
Supplement interactions on fileNo supplement in this library is recorded as interacting with this medication. Coverage is partial — 171 of 216 medications have interaction data, drawn from the 107 supplements written up so far. Absence here is incomplete coverage, not a safety claim.
- Trade names
- Metoprolol (Lopressor), Atenolol (Tenormin), Propranolol (Inderal), Bisoprolol, Carvedilol (Coreg), Nebivolol
- family
- antihypertensives
Full write-up
What is it
Beta-Blockers are cardiovascular medicines in the antihypertensive family, generally used in the treatment of high blood pressure. Recognized examples include Metoprolol (Lopressor), Atenolol (Tenormin), Propranolol (Inderal), Bisoprolol, Carvedilol (Coreg), and Nebivolol.
This page is an educational reference for considering what other medicines or supplements may interact with them. Questions about interactions or any medical condition are best discussed with a clinician.
What interacts with it
The combinations needing the most caution are those that may add to beta-blockers’ effects on heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, or potassium. Bacopa Monnieri may further slow heart rate, while Potassium may increase the risk of hyperkalemia, particularly with renal impairment or nonselective agents. Apple Cider Vinegar may lower glucose while beta-blockers can mask warning signs of hypoglycemia, allowing low blood glucose to go unrecognized. Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma) also warrants caution with propranolol because of potential effects on heart rate and blood pressure. Discuss these combinations with a prescriber or pharmacist, especially when kidney function or cardiovascular control is a concern.
Some interactions may reduce the expected effect of either the beta-blocker or the supplement rather than produce additive effects. Green Tea Extract (EGCG) can reduce nadolol absorption through intestinal transport effects, potentially weakening blood-pressure control. A human pharmacokinetic study also found reduced propranolol absorption and systemic exposure with Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma); this finding is specific to propranolol. Beta-blockers may decrease Coenzyme Q10 levels, and they may reduce the body’s natural melatonin production, although this does not by itself establish antagonism of supplemental Melatonin.
Because the relevance differs by the specific beta-blocker, kidney function, and the purpose of treatment, any of these supplements should be reviewed with a prescriber or pharmacist before use alongside Beta-Blockers. Monitoring may be particularly important when a combination could affect heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, potassium, or beta-blocker exposure.