Propranolol is best described as which type of receptor blocker?

Propranolol is best described as which type of receptor blocker?

• A. Alpha-1 blocker
• B. Alpha-2 blocker
• C. Beta-1 selective blocker
• D. Non-selective beta blocker

Answer: (D)

Propranolol works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, and it does so nonselectively, meaning it blocks both beta-1 receptors in the heart and beta-2 receptors in other tissues like the lungs and blood vessels. That combination lowers heart rate, reduces the force of heart contractions, and slows AV conduction, which helps with conditions like certain arrhythmias, hypertension, and angina. It also can cause bronchoconstriction because of beta-2 blockade, which is why nonselective beta blockers are used with caution in asthma or COPD. This contrasts with beta-1 selective blockers (which primarily block heart beta-1 receptors with less beta-2 involvement) and with alpha blockers (which target alpha receptors and cause vasodilation rather than beta-receptor blockade). So propranolol is best described as a non-selective beta blocker.

Propranolol works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, and it does so nonselectively, meaning it blocks both beta-1 receptors in the heart and beta-2 receptors in other tissues like the lungs and blood vessels. That combination lowers heart rate, reduces the force of heart contractions, and slows AV conduction, which helps with conditions like certain arrhythmias, hypertension, and angina. It also can cause bronchoconstriction because of beta-2 blockade, which is why nonselective beta blockers are used with caution in asthma or COPD. This contrasts with beta-1 selective blockers (which primarily block heart beta-1 receptors with less beta-2 involvement) and with alpha blockers (which target alpha receptors and cause vasodilation rather than beta-receptor blockade). So propranolol is best described as a non-selective beta blocker.