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Taking Atenolol And Metoprolol For HBP. Started Getting IBS. Safe To Go For Calcium Channel Blockers?

Posted on Fri, 22 Feb 2013

Question: Hello. I have been on 50mg twice a day of atenolol for hbp. I also get PVC's sometimes. I was recently switched to the extended release metropolol 100 mg. My main concern is that I have a very sensitive body. My stomach is sensitive since I have IBS. After reading quite a bit of studies on metropolol I am quite scared to take it. Seems as if this drug does not settle well with many people. My heart rate is often in the 50's at rest already on atenolol. Please let me know if I should try the metropolol or if I should perhaps try a calcium channel blocker. The calcium channel blocker was my GP's first choice but then she chose metropolol because she said the c blocker could cause constipation. Honestly I am more concerned about my heart health than constipation. Please let me know your opinion and which Calcium Channel Blocker is best.

Highest Regards, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (4 hours later)

Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

Atenolol and Metoprolol belong to the same class (Beta blocker).
There is not much difference between the two.
100 mg is the upper limit of atenolol.

There are a few subclasses of Calcium Channel Blockers – effect on heart rate or constipation are not significant with the newer ones. If you are concerned, choose a different class altogether.

There are other classes of drugs – Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB) / Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACEI) / Direct Renin Inhibitors / Diuretics – and so on. There is a wide choice really.

You can discuss with your doctor and choose the one that suits both parties...

Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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