Table 1

Classification, properties and cost of β-blockers available at National University, Singapore

	Half-life (h)	β-1 Receptor selectivity	Lipophilic/ hydrophilic	Intrinsic sympathomimetic activity	Peripheral vasodilation	Usual dose range (mg/days)	Daily cost at lower and upper end of usual dosing (SGD)
First generation
Propranolol	3–4	0	High	Yes	No	40–180	0.11–0.66
Second generation
Atenolol	6–9	+	Low	No	No	25–100	0.06–0.11
Bisoprolol	9–12	++	Moderate	No	No	5–20	0.28–1.12
Metoprolol (tartrate)	3–4	++	High	No	No	100–400	0.36–0.52
Third generation
Carvedilol	7–10	0	Moderate	No	Yes	12.5–50	0.68–0.92
Labetalol	3–4	+	Low	Yes	Yes	200–800	0.50–2.00
Nebivolol	8–27	+++	Moderate	No	Yes	5–10	0.98–1.96

Adapted from Feldman et al3 and Koda-Kimble and Young's Applied Therapeutics 10th edn, 2012.4 SGD, Singapore dollars.