Sunday 15 January 2017

Combination use of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers | PGI May 2017

Combination use of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers cause 


A. Heart block 
B. Hypertension 
C. Hypotension 
D. Bradycardia 
E. Tachyarrhythimias


Ans. A. Heart block ; (D) Bradycardia :
• When β-blockers given with verapamil or diltiazem, they produce:-
— Additive sinus depression, conduction defects or asystole may occur resulting in marked bradycardia, A-V block.
— Cardiac arrest may occur.
• Nifedipine causes tachycardia, increased contractility and cardiac output due to reflex sympathetic stimulation, propranolol has been safely used with Nifedipine
• Propranolol, initially causes little change in BP (due to blockade of β-mediated vasodilation but on continued use fall in BP due to chronically reduced CO.).
— Verapamil dilates arterioles and some α-blocking activity — BP is only moderately lowered.