
Beta-blockers are medications used in the treatment of hypertension and heart disease.
Coffee and other beverages or foods that are high in caffeine, such as soda, high-energy drinks, tea, and dark chocolate, reduce the efficacy of beta-blockers by counteracting their antiadrenergic effect.
Beta-blockers reduce blood pressure by reducing the action of excitatory neurotransmitter, adrenaline, on the heart and bringing down blood pressure. However, caffeine increases blood pressure by accentuating adrenaline action on the heart.
Coffee increases the rate at which beta-blockers are metabolized in the body. This may cause the medication to remain active in the body for a shorter period.
Though initially, coffee increases blood pressure, regular consumption of coffee may not have this effect.
Hence, it is advised to avoid excess caffeine while on beta-blockers.
Coffee increases blood pressure in the following ways:
- Caffeine, the predominant substance of coffee, is a stimulant that is commonly used to improve energy and mental activity.
- Caffeine boosts epinephrine release in the body.
- Epinephrine is an active vasoconstrictor, causing constriction of the arteries in the body, making the heart work harder, and increasing blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate.
- Caffeine can promote dehydration, which can lead to high blood pressure.
- Total peripheral resistance around the heart is increased due to constriction of arteries, which eventually increases blood pressure.
Which foods and drugs interact with beta-blockers?
The food and drugs that interact with beta-blockers include the following:
Food
Foods to avoid are:
- Certain fruit juices, such as grapefruit, apple, and orange juices, have been proven to reduce the absorption of the beta-blockers acebutolol and atenolol.
- Potassium-rich foods are to be avoided because beta-blockers increase potassium levels (hyperkalemia), which leads to other medical conditions, such as rapid heartbeats and kidney failure.
- Alcohol can reduce the efficacy of beta-blockers, so it is advised to avoid or limit your consumption while taking these medications.
Drugs
Beta-blockers, like all drugs, can interact with a variety of different medications, such as:
- Antiarrhythmic medications are used to treat irregular heartbeats
- Other antihypertensives (blood pressure medications)
- Antipsychotic medications used to treat serious mental health disorders
- Clonidine is used to treat high blood pressure and migraines
- Mefloquine drug used to treat or prevent malaria
It is advised to consult a doctor to know all the drug interactions to prevent unwanted events.
5 ways to treat caffeine overdose
Five ways to treat a caffeine overdose include:
- Caffeine consumption is generally regarded as safe, but it can have neurologic, cardiac, and gastrointestinal adverse effects.
- Caffeine can be hazardous, with an estimated fatal dose of 5 to 10 grams in healthy persons.
- Lower doses could be harmful in people with preexisting cardiac disease and those who take other stimulants or intoxicants, especially if they are dehydrated.
- Caffeine intoxication should be evaluated in previously healthy patients who deny using cocaine or amphetamines but exhibit hyperadrenergic symptoms.
- Caffeine intoxication can be mistaken for a variety of diseases, including mania, enthusiastic delirium, cocaine intoxication, and thyroid storm.
Caffeine increases the activity of adrenaline and with an overdose of it, vasoconstriction disrupts the circulatory system, while bronchoconstriction depresses the respiratory system.
The primary aim to treat caffeine intoxication is to restore circulation and breathing, which is achieved through:
- Administration of intravenous fluids
- Maintenance of body temperature
- Calming the patient with a benzodiazepine, such as a valium or versed
- Administration of antiemetic for nausea and vomiting
- Administration of nitroglycerin for severe hypertension that does not respond to benzodiazepine-induced relaxation

IMAGES
Heart Illustration Browse through our medical image collection to see illustrations of human anatomy and physiology See ImagesHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Yew D. Caffeine Toxicity Treatment & Management. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/821863-treatment#d10
Wiysonge CS, Volmink J, Opie LH. Beta-blockers and the treatment of hypertension: it is time to move on. Cardiovasc J Afr. 2007;18(6):351-352. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4170499/
Ram CV. Beta-blockers in hypertension. Am J Cardiol. 2010 Dec 15;106(12):1819-25. https://www.ajconline.org/article/S0002-9149(10)01631-0/fulltext
Top Can You Drink Coffee While Taking Beta-Blockers Related Articles
Caffeine: 9 Health Benefits When You Give Up Caffeine
What would happen if you gave up caffeine? Find out what health benefits could be in store for your body and mind.Angina: Signs, Symptoms, and What It Feels Like
Angina is chest pain due to inadequate blood supply to the heart. Angina symptoms may include chest tightness, burning, squeezing, and aching. Coronary artery disease is the main cause of angina but there are other causes. Angina is diagnosed by taking the patient's medical history and performing tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), blood test, stress test, echocardiogram, cardiac CT scan, and heart catheterization. Treatment of angina usually includes lifestyle modification, medication, and sometimes, surgery. The risk of angina can be reduced by following a heart healthy lifestyle.Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are used for the treatment of irregular heart rhythms, chest pain, heart attack, hypertension, migraine headaches, social phobias, tremors, and glaucoma. Common side effects of beta blockers are nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and weight gain if you are taking medicine for diabetes (type 1 and type 2). Examples of generic and brand names available for beta blockers in the U.S. include acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin), bisoprolol (Zebeta), metoprolol (Lopressor, Lopressor LA, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), timolol (Blocadren).beta-blockers w/thiazide diuretics-oral
beta-blockers-ophthalmic
Caffeine Quiz
If you can't function without your morning cup of java or your afternoon caffeine jolt, this quiz is for you. Learn about your caffeine addiction with the Caffeine Quiz.Can Caffeine Cause Depression?
Researchers are divided as to whether caffeine causes depression, with some believing moderate consumption could help, while others believe it’ll make things worse.Diet and Nutrition: The Healthiest Coffees
You may be in it for the caffeine, but coffee can actually be good for you. Here’s how to enjoy a healthy cup, and what to stay away from.Arrhythmias (Abnormal Heart Rhythms): Types, Triggers, Warning Signs, and Treatment
Heart rhythm disorders vary from minor palpitations, premature atrial contractions (PACs), premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), sinus tachycardia, and sinus bradycardia, to abnormal heart rhythms such as tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular flutter, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome, brachycardia, or heart blocks. Treatment is dependent upon the type of heart rhythm disorder.Is Coffee Good for Gout?
Moderate coffee consumption may lower your risk of developing gout and reduce the chances of having a flare-up. Coffee contains beneficial compounds such as caffeine and polyphenols which can lower uric acid levels in the body.Is Coffee Good for Your Health?
Coffee is the most popular stimulant substance drunk all over the world. More than 150 million people in the United States drink coffee daily. The average coffee consumption by US adults is approximately two cups per day, which is the equivalent of approximately 280 mg of caffeine.Is Coffee High in Potassium?
Potassium is an essential micronutrient required for cellular function. It is highly reactive in water and produces positively charged potassium ions.Is Sinus Arrhythmia Serious?
Sinus arrhythmia is a common, harmless condition that is not necessarily dangerous; however, it should be evaluated if accompanied by other signs of heart problems.Is Tea or Coffee Better for Your Health?
Tea is generally safe, even in large amounts. While coffee is also safe to drink, high amounts can cause some problems.What Are the Negative Effects of Coffee?
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the US. People drink coffee several times a day citing the reason that it makes them stay alert and focused. And yes! It does. The effect is due to the stimulant, caffeine.What Happens If Arrhythmia Is Left Untreated?
Untreated arrhythmia in some individuals may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, dementia, and heart failure. It may lead to the inadequate blood supply to multiple organs because the heart may not function properly.