Medications

People with Marfan syndrome typically are advised by their physicians to take one or more prescription medications in order to manage symptoms and slow down (or possibly stop) progression of the disease. This is especially the case for aortic root dilation and dissection, which is the leading cause of premature death from Marfan syndrome. As this Marfan Syndrome Wiki entry expands, it will discuss side effects, dosages, research, and other topics related to the treatment of Marfan syndrome by prescription drugs.

Beta blockers

Beta blockers (known technically as beta adrenergic receptor antagonists) are a class of drugs commonly prescribed for people with Marfan syndrome in order to slow down aortic root dilation and prevent aortic dissection. Beta blockers reduce heart rate and blood pressure, and these effects are believed to slow the growth (over-growth, really) of the aortic root in people with Marfan. Although they are tolerated well by many, for some people beta blockers can have significant adverse side effects, including nightmares and sleep disruption, aggravation of asthma symptoms, fatigue and exercise intolerance, and depression. Therefore, proper management of any adverse side effects can be essential in guaranteeing that one is able to take this medication. There are a variety of beta blockers available (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol), and the side effects caused by one may not be caused by another. Some people with Marfan will choose an alternative medication to beta blockers in order to prevent aortic root dilation or dissection, such as an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), a calcium channel blocker, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi), or some combination of these. Side effects notwithstanding, beta blockers have been used for decades, and are considered safe by the medical community for long-term use. However, in light of published peer-reviewed data, some researchers have recently questioned the efficacy of beta blockers for preventing aortic root dilation and dissection in Marfan syndrome, although they acknowledge that more research is necessary.

For a full list of side effects for common beta blockers, click on the following links:

• Toprol XL
• Coreg

etc.

Losartan and ARBs

ACE inhibitors

Calcium channel blockers

(We need to research and add links.)