Table 1 β‐blockers used for the treatment of chronic stable angina.

β‐blocker class	Cardio‐selective	Initial dose		Dose range		Unique additional properties
First generation						None
Propranolol	No	20 mg twice daily		40–320 mg twice daily
Timolol	No	5 mg twice daily		10–240 mg twice daily
Second generation						None
Metoprolol	Yes
Short acting		25 mg twice daily		50–200 mg twice daily
Sustained release		25 mg daily		50–200 mg daily
Atenolol	Yes	25 mg daily		25–200 mg daily
Bisoprolol	Yes	2.5 mg daily		2.5–20 mg daily
Betaxolol	Yes	10 mg daily		10–40 mg daily
Third generation						Vasodilation
Labetalol	No	100 mg twice daily		200–1200 mg twice daily		Higher affinity for α1 receptor (α1 receptor blockade) than β1 and β2
Carvedilol	Yes	3.125 mg twice daily		3.125–25 mg twice daily		β1 selective, ↓selectivity at higher dosesα1 receptor blockade; increases insulin sensitivity; antioxidant properties
Nebivolol	Yes	2.5 mg daily		2.5–10 mg daily		Higher β1 selectivity; endothelium‐dependent vasodilation via the L‐arginine/nitric oxide pathway