Selection of modern β-blocker dosing regimen in various clinical situations (exemplified by metoprolol succinate)

Beta-blockers are currently one of the most prescribed drugs in various acute and chronic conditions due to wide range of indications and a large evidence base. Metoprolol succinate (Betaloc ZOK) is one of modern lipophilic β1-selective blocker without intrinsic sympathomimetic activity and available in controlled slow release (CR/XL) form. Metoprolol succinate CR/XL can be considered an essential treatment of a wide range of cardiovascular and other diseases (for example, migraine and thyrotoxicosis). However, this drug is often used in not optimal doses. The purpose of this article is to draw the attention of physicians to the unjustified underestimation of β-AB doses in a number of clinical conditions.