Characteristics and proposed dosages of β blocker agents tested in patients with heart failure
| Drug | Generation | β1 selectivity | Vasodilator | Starting dose | Maximal maintenance dose |
| Metoprolol | Second | + + | No | 5 mg twice daily 25 mg once daily3-160 | 75 mg twice daily 200 mg once daily3-160 |
| Bisoprolol | Second | +++ | No | 1.25 mg once daily | 10 mg once daily |
| Carvedilol | Third | ± | Yes | 6.25 mg twice daily | 50 mg twice daily |
| Bucindolol | Third | 0 | yes | 12.5 mg once daily | 200 mg once daily |
| Nebivolol | Third | +++ | yes | 1.25 mg once daily | 10 mg once daily |
↵3-160 CR/XL formulation.