Insect sting anaphylaxis and beta-adrenergic blockade: a relative contraindication.

Severe anaphylaxis is reported in a bee venom-sensitive 31-year-old male while receiving propranolol. His anaphylactic reaction was mainly respiratory and was refractory to emergency treatment. We believe that his use of beta-blockers contributed to the severity of his anaphylaxis and refractoriness to treatment. We suggest that beta-blockers should be contraindicated or alternate medications used in hymenoptera allergic patients.