Top 30 MCQs on Beta Blockers with Answers & Explanation (Pharmacology)

📌Introduction  

Beta blockers are one of the most important drug classes in pharmacology. They are widely used in cardiovascular diseases and are frequently asked in competitive exams like GPAT, DSSSB, and other pharmacy exams. Practicing MCQs helps in better understanding and quick revision of concepts.

📝 MCQs on Beta Blockers  

1. Beta blockers act on which receptors?  

A) Alpha receptors  

B) Beta receptors  

C) Dopamine receptors  

D) Serotonin receptors  

✔ Answer: B) Beta receptors  

➜ Explanation: Beta blockers inhibit beta-adrenergic receptors.

2. Propranolol belongs to which class?  

A) Selective β1 blocker 

B) Non-selective beta blocker  

C) Alpha blocker  

D) Calcium channel blocker  

✔ Answer: B) Non-selective beta blocker  

➜ Explanation: It blocks both β1 and β2 receptors.

3. Which of the following is a β1 selective blocker?  

A) Propranolol  

B) Atenolol  

C) Timolol  

D) Nadolol  

✔ Answer: B) Atenolol  

➜ Explanation: It mainly acts on cardiac β1 receptors.

4. Beta blockers decrease:  

A) Blood sugar  

B) Heart rate  

C) Oxygen saturation  

D) RBC count  

✔ Answer: B) Heart rate  

➜ Explanation: They reduce sympathetic stimulation.

5. Which beta blocker is avoided in asthma?  

A) Atenolol  

B) Propranolol  

C) Bisoprolol  

D) Metoprolol  

✔ Answer: B) Propranolol  

➜ Explanation: Non-selective blockers cause bronchospasm.

6. Labetalol is:  

A) Only beta blocker  

B) Alpha blocker  

C) Mixed alpha and beta blocker  

D) Calcium blocker  

✔ Answer: C) Mixed alpha and beta blocker  

➜ Explanation: It blocks both receptors.

7. Mechanism of beta blockers includes:  

A) Increase heart rate  

B) Block beta receptors  

C) Increase BP  

D) Increase renin  

✔ Answer: B) Block beta receptors  

➜ Explanation: They inhibit adrenergic action.

8. Beta blockers reduce:  

A) Cardiac output  

B) RBC production  

C) Platelet count  

D) Oxygen level  

✔ Answer: A) Cardiac output  

➜ Explanation: Due to reduced heart activity.

9. Atenolol is used in:  

A) Diabetes  

B) Hypertension  

C) Infection  

D) Cancer  

✔ Answer: B) Hypertension  

➜ Explanation: It lowers blood pressure.

10. Which receptor is mainly present in heart?  

A) β2  

B) β1  

C) Alpha  

D) Dopamine  

✔ Answer: B) β1  

➜ Explanation: Responsible for heart rate.

11. Beta blockers are useful in:  

A) Asthma  

B) Hypertension  

C) Infection  

D) Ulcer  

✔ Answer: B) Hypertension  

➜ Explanation: They lower BP.

12. Timolol is:  

A) Selective  

B) Non-selective  

C) Alpha blocker  

D) ACE inhibitor  

✔ Answer: B) Non-selective  

➜ Explanation: Blocks β1 & β2.

13. Side effect of beta blockers:  

A) Tachycardia  

B) Bradycardia  

C) Fever  

D) Diarrhea  

✔ Answer: B) Bradycardia  

➜ Explanation: Slows heart rate.

14. Beta blockers decrease:  

A) Renin release  

B) Insulin  

C) Oxygen  

D) WBC  

✔ Answer: A) Renin release  

➜ Explanation: Helps reduce BP.

15. Metoprolol is:  

A) Non-selective  

B) β1 selective  

C) Alpha blocker  

D) Diuretic  

✔ Answer: B) β1 selective  

➜ Explanation: Acts mainly on heart.

16. Which is NOT a beta blocker?  

A) Atenolol  

B) Propranolol  

C) Amlodipine  

D) Timolol  

✔ Answer: C) Amlodipine  

➜ Explanation: It is a calcium channel blocker.

17. Beta blockers are used in:  

A) Migraine  

B) Infection  

C) Cancer  

D) Allergy  

✔ Answer: A) Migraine  

➜ Explanation: Used for prevention.

18. Bronchospasm is caused by:  

A) β1 block  

B) β2 block  

C) Alpha block  

D) Dopamine block  

✔ Answer: B) β2 block  

➜ Explanation: Affects lungs.

19. Carvedilol is:  

A) Selective  

B) Mixed blocker  

C) Alpha only  

D) Diuretic  

✔ Answer: B) Mixed blocker  

➜ Explanation: Blocks alpha + beta.

20. Beta blockers reduce:  

A) Heart workload  

B) Liver function  

C) Kidney size  

D) Hemoglobin  

✔ Answer: A) Heart workload  

➜ Explanation: Reduces oxygen demand.

21. Which drug is cardioselective?  

A) Propranolol  

B) Atenolol  

C) Timolol  

D) Nadolol  

✔ Answer: B) Atenolol  

➜ Explanation: β1 selective.

22. Beta blockers are contraindicated in:  

A) Hypertension  

B) Asthma  

C) Angina  

D) Migraine  

✔ Answer: B) Asthma  

➜ Explanation: Risk of bronchospasm.

23. Beta blockers cause:  

A) Increased BP  

B) Decreased HR  

C) Fever  

D) Cough  

✔ Answer: B) Decreased HR  

➜ Explanation: Negative chronotropic effect.

24. Which is used in arrhythmia?  

A) Atenolol  

B) Paracetamol  

C) Insulin  

D) Antibiotic  

✔ Answer: A) Atenolol  

➜ Explanation: Controls heart rhythm.

25. Beta blockers act by:  

A) Blocking calcium  

B) Blocking beta receptors  

C) Increasing insulin  

D) Increasing oxygen  

✔ Answer: B) Blocking beta receptors  

➜ Explanation: Main mechanism.

26. Which is non-selective?  

A) Metoprolol  

B) Atenolol  

C) Propranolol  

D) Bisoprolol  

✔ Answer: C) Propranolol  

➜ Explanation: Blocks β1 & β2.

27. Beta blockers decrease:  

A) BP  

B) Sugar  

C) Oxygen  

D) RBC  

✔ Answer: A) BP  

➜ Explanation: Reduces cardiac output.

28. Fatigue is a:  

A) Use  

B) Side effect  

C) Mechanism  

D) Classification  

✔ Answer: B) Side effect  

➜ Explanation: Common complaint.

29. β2 receptors are present in:  

A) Heart  

B) Lungs  

C) Brain  

D) Kidney  

✔ Answer: B) Lungs  

➜ Explanation: Responsible for bronchodilation.

30. Beta blockers are best for:  

A) Infection  

B) Hypertension  

C) Cancer  

D) Allergy  

✔ Answer: B) Hypertension  

➜ Explanation: Primary use.

💊 Conclusion  

Practicing MCQs on beta blockers helps in quick revision and strengthens your pharmacology concepts. These questions are highly important for competitive exams and will improve your accuracy and confidence.

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