Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

What is a common side effect of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers?

1. Fluid retention

2. Bradycardia

3. Hypertension

4. Headaches

The correct answer is: Bradycardia

Bradycardia is a well-documented side effect of both beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. Beta blockers function by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, leading to a decrease in heart rate. This reduction in cardiac output can lead to bradycardia, characterized by an unusually slow heart rate. Calcium channel blockers also exert a negative chronotropic effect on the heart, particularly those that are non-dihydropyridine, such as verapamil and diltiazem. These medications reduce the influx of calcium into cardiac cells, resulting in diminished heart contractility and conduction velocity through the AV node, thereby resulting in bradycardia. In contrast, fluid retention is typically associated with certain antihypertensive medications, particularly diuretics, and is not a primary side effect of beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Hypertension would not be considered a side effect of these medications as they are primarily used to treat high blood pressure. Headaches may be a side effect noted in some patients due to the action of certain medications; however, they are not a common or significant side effect of beta blockers or calcium channel blockers compared to bradycardia. Understanding the pharmacological actions and physiological impacts of these drug classes highlights