JPAC Joint United Kingdom (UK) Blood Transfusion and Tissue Transplantation Services Professional Advisory Committee

Beta Blockers

Obligatory

Must not donate if:
a) Used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

b) Used to control symptoms of thyroid disease.

Discretionary

If used for non-cardiovascular disease or the donor has controlled hypertension, accept.

See if Relevant

Anxiety Disorders
Blood Pressure - High
Migraine

Additional Information

Beta blockers are often used to treat serious heart disease such as coronary artery disease (angina and after a myocardial infarction) and arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm). They may also be used to control the symptoms associated with an overactive thyroid gland. Patients with these disorders must not donate.

They are often used as treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure). There is evidence that shows that donors taking beta blockers do not have an increased incidence of adverse events related to donation.

They are also used to treat many other conditions such as migraine, tremor, anxiety and glaucoma. In most situations this should not prevent donation.

Reason for Change

A link to 'Anxiety Disorders' has been added.

Update Information

This entry was last updated in
TDSG-BM Edition 203, Release 02