β Blocker | First dose (mg) | Titration scheme daily dose (mg)3-151 | Target total daily dose (mg) | ||||||||
Metoprolol (MERIT trial) | 253-152 | Wk 1 25 | Wk 2 25 | Wk 3 50 | Wk 4 50 | Wk 5 100 | Wk 6 100 | Wk 7 200 | 200 | ||
Bisoprolol (CIBIS II) | 1.25 | Wk 1 1.25 | Wk 2 2.5 | Wk 3 3.75 | Wk 4–7 5.0 | Wk 8–11 7.5 | Wk 12–15 10 | 10 | |||
Carvedilol3-153 (US trials) | 3.125 | Wk 1 3.125 | Wk 2 3.125 | Wk 3 6.25 | Wk 4 6.25 | Wk 5 12.5 | Wk 6 12.5 | Wk 7 25 | Wk 8 25 | 503-154 |
↵3-150 Forced titration in all studies, assuming preceding dose tolerated.
↵3-151 Dose once daily for metoprolol and bisoprolol and twice daily for carvedilol.
↵3-152 Slow release (metoprolol CR/XL) formulation 12.5 mg recommended in NYHA class III–IV patients.
↵3-153 Recommended titration schedule in UK; in USCP dosing schedule differed in different component trials.
↵3-154 In two doses: 25 mg bid except for patients > 85 kg where the dose may be increased to 50 mg bid.