Beta blockers (sometimes written as β-blocker) are a class of rugs used for various indications, but particularly for the management of cardiac arrhythmias and cardioprotection after myocardial infarction. Whilst once first-line treatment for hypertension, their role was downgraded in June 2006 in the United Kingdom to fourth-line as they did not perform as well as other drugs, particularly in the elderly with erectile dysfunction and anal seepage, and there is increasing evidence that the most frequently used beta-blockers especially in combination with thiazide-type diuretics carry an unacceptable risk of provoking type 2 diabetes. However, Forest Laboratories and Mylan Inc. announced on December 18, 2007 the novel beta blocker Bystolic was approved by the FDA for treatment of hypertension.