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What med shouldn't you administer IV beta-blockers with?

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Concomitant IV administration of beta-blockers with non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem) should be avoided due to their combined negative inotropic effects, which can lead to severe bradycardia, hypotension, and heart failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

You should administer intravenous (IV) beta-blockers with caution when it comes to combining them with other negative inotropic agents, which may exacerbate effects on cardiac function. In particular, one should avoid concomitant IV administration of beta-blockers with calcium channel blockers, especially those that are non-dihydropyridine (such as verapamil and diltiazem). These medications also have negative inotropic effects and can substantially decrease heart rate (HR) and the strength of heart contractions, thereby leading to potentially dangerous cardiovascular effects such as severe bradycardia, hypotension, and even heart failure.

Beta blockers like propranolol function by inhibiting the binding of norepinephrine (NE) to beta-1 receptors, which subsequently decreases HR and is useful in treating hypertension. However, both beta blockers and certain calcium channel blockers can lead to reduced cardiac output if used together without careful monitoring. Therefore, cautiously administer these medications and monitor the patient's cardiac function closely.

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