B-Blocker info in Saunders

[MaroonTX]

So I was reading the Saunders chapter regarding cardiac drugs and in the B-Blocker section it said that B-blockers are contraindicated in hyperthyroidism. Anyway I also cross reference things just to make sure I'm not missing something by using only 1 book and the ATI book AND my pharmacology text said B-blockers can be used to help treat hyperthyroidism (which makes more sense to me since hyperthyroidism makes one more sensitive to the effects of catecholamines + the S/S). Did Saunders make a mistake OR has this changed. Thanks!

[RadBSN]

Good catch! I didn't notice that, but I have noticed a few things in Saunders that have made me go Actually, if you look in the thyroid section they talk about beta blockers being anti-thyroid meds and used to treat thyroid storm.

I know that they use beta blockers to treat symptoms of hyperthyroid so it's interesting that Saunders says they are contraindicated in the cardiac meds section. I would just keep that in the back of my mind, but hope that I don't get a question about it!

[MaroonTX]

I agree -- after making that catch I'm going through the side effects of many of the meds listed in the section and many of them I can't find anything in my pharm text/ ATI / google search to back them up... Even been asking my friend who is a 4th year med student and he's never heard of some of these... making me question the pharm sections of this book a little :-/

[caliotter3]

Some people say that you should only use one resource due to the fact that many resources contradict each other on certain points. Or, you have to come up with the answer that suits you and stick with it. One way to do this is to go with the answer that is the latest. For pharm type questions, I would go with a pharm text over a review book.

[Juicy Private Nars]

this might help:

i am a big saunders fan. i think it's the best nclex review material out there.

remember that some beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol) may make decrease hypoglycemia awareness, ace inhibitors can increase insulin sensitivity so that you need less insulin.:heartbeat