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Action/Kinetics:
Manifests both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic blocking activity. Also has significant intrinsic sympathomimetic effects and minimal membrane-stabilizing activity. Moderate lipid solubility.
t
1/2: 3-4 hr; however, geriatric clients have a variable half-life ranging from 7 to 15 hr, even with normal renal function. Metabolized by the liver, and the metabolites and unchanged (35%-40%) drug are excreted through the kidneys.
Uses:
Hypertension (alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents as thiazide diuretics).
Investigational: Ventricular arrhythmias and tachycardias, antipsychotic-induced akathisia, situational anxiety.
Contraindications:
Bronchial asthma or bronchospasm, including severe COPD.
Special Concerns:
Dosage has not been established in children.
Laboratory Test Alterations:
AST and ALT. Rarely,
LDH, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase.
How Supplied:
Tablet: 5 mg, 10 mg
Dosage
?Tablets
Hypertension.
Initial: 5 mg b.i.d. (alone or with other antihypertensive drugs). If no response in 3-4 weeks, increase by 10 mg/day q 3-4 weeks to a maximum of 60 mg/day.
Antipsychotic-induced akathisia.
5 mg/day.
