2.4 Beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs
| First Choices: |
|---|
| propranolol for dysrrhythmia |
| or | carvedilol as an adjunct in heart failure |
| or | atenolol for hypertension |
Dose
- propranolol tablets 10mg, 40mg, 80mg, 160mg; solution 5mg/5mL
- Birth-12 years, 250-500microgram/kg three to four times a day. Increase up to 1mg/kg 3 times daily or until response.
- 12-18 years, 10-40mg three to four times a day. Doses adjusted according to response.
- carvedilol tablets 3.125 mg, 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, 25 mg
- 2-8years, initially 50microgram/kg (max. 3.125mg) twice a day; double dose at intervals of at least two weeks up to 350microgram/kg (max. 25mg) twice daily.
- atenolol tablets 25mg, 50mg, 100mg; syrup 25mg/5ml
- Birth–12 years, 0.5-2mg/kg once daily; may be given twice daily if necessary. (max 100mg daily).
- 12–18 years, 50mg daily; (max 100mg daily).
Prescribing Notes
- Beta–blockers may cause bronchospasm; they are usually avoided in patients suffering asthma but are sometimes used on specialist advice.
- Labetalol is sometimes used, particularly in cases of accelerated hypertension or in the treatment of phaeochromocytomas.