Cirrhosis: Beta-Blockers for Portal Hypertension and Varices
Beta-blocker medicines are used to prevent variceal bleeding by lowering the pressure in the enlarged veins (varices). Variceal bleeding occurs when the pressure increases in the portal vein system of the liver and the veins in the esophagus, stomach, and rectum enlarge from the pressure.
By slowing the heart rate and widening the blood vessels, beta-blocker medicines such as propranolol and nadolol appear to lower the pressure in the varices. In people who have esophageal varices, beta-blockers have been shown to reduce the risk of having a first episode of bleeding. They also reduce risk in people who have had a variceal bleed. They are usually prescribed for people who have moderate-to-large varices.
Credits
Current as of: February 27, 2026
Author:
WebMD Ignite Staff
Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: February 27, 2026
Author:
WebMD Ignite Staff
Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.