Which class of drugs is known to slow the heart rate?

Beta-blockers are a class of drugs that are specifically designed to slow the heart rate by blocking the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) on beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart. When these receptors are inhibited, there is a decrease in heart rate and myocardial contractility, leading to reduced cardiac output and lower blood pressure. This mechanism makes beta-blockers particularly useful in managing various cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, and angina.

While diuretics primarily work by promoting the excretion of sodium and water to reduce fluid overload, and antibiotics treat infections without directly affecting heart rate, ACE inhibitors primarily work by preventing the formation of angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and decreased blood pressure, but they do not significantly affect heart rate. Thus, beta-blockers are the most appropriate choice when considering medications that specifically slow heart rate.