Can Nebivolol Cause Side Effects In Elderly?

Posted on Fri, 22 May 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 22 May 2015 Answered on

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi What beta blocker has the least side effects?My father has been on Metoprolol for several years and is having 26 side effects of this medication. The side effects are common to severe which include severe weight loss ( he was 149 pds and is now 93 pds), constipation, stomach spasms, anxiety, back pain, side pain and on and on. His blood pressure has been around 147/85. He is 81 years old. We have been taking him off other medications with the help of his doctor because these other medications also cause these symptoms.

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Nebivolol has least beta blocker related side effects, as of now.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. Above 60 years, beta blockers are usually avoided. Nebivolol has lesser side effects compared to other beta blockers. However, you need to discuss with your doctor regarding this. Beta blockers related side effects are less, other cardiac related criteria should be evaluated before starting Nebivolol.

2. If necessary, and need to change, angiotensin receptor antagonists group or ACE inhibitors group (cough is common side effect), would be better choices.

3. No other beta blockers is advisable.

Do discuss with your doctor regarding change of medication.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar