Safety of perioperative ?-blocker use: how do ?-blockers compare in terms of side effects?
Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2011 Jul;10(4):545-58
Authors: Ravensbergen NJ, Voute MT, Poldermans D
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In the perioperative setting, there is still a high incidence of adverse cardiac events due to sudden coronary plaque rupture or oxygen supply-demand imbalance. ?-Blockers play an important role in preventing these cardiac events. Discussion, however, remains on the side effects accompanying this therapy. AREAS COVERED: The evidence for perioperative use of ?-blockers is summarized in this review in terms of risk reduction, perioperative safety and current clinical use. Furthermore, data on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics are presented. EXPERT OPINION: In perioperative care, ?-blockers are recommended and can be given safely when started early in a low dose, titrated to heart rate. In the future, there could be a place for added perioperative short-acting ?-blockers to further optimize heart rate control.
PMID: 21247365 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]