The Therapeutic Potential of Propranolol and Other Beta-Blockers in Hyperthyroidism.

β-blockers have found wide application in cardiology, neurology, psychiatry, anaesthesiology, and endocrinology. Due to the reduction in excessive reactivity of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system, they have been used in the treatment of symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Significant efficacy in alleviating neuro-psychiatric symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism is attributed to propranolol, while cardiac symptoms are alleviated by both non-selective and cardioselective β-blockers. The aim of our study is to collect and summarise the existing knowledge on the role of β-blockers in patients with hyperthyroidism, with particular emphasis on pregnant patients, the group with iatrogenic hyperthyroidism, and patients after amiodarone. Due to their favourable safety profile, they appear to be a beneficial supplementary therapy to the treatment of hyperthyroidism in pregnant patients. β-blockers are also used in the treatment of complications of hyperthyroidism after amiodarone administration. They may influence the therapeutic process of amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism itself, as well as being a therapeutic alternative to amiodarone in a cardiovascular context. By alleviating the symptoms associated with high doses of L-thyroxine, which are used, e.g., in. patients with thyroid cancer, β-blockers may make it possible to maintain low TSH values.