From the Guidelines
The equivalent dose of metoprolol for 25 mg of betaxolol is approximately 100-200 mg of metoprolol, based on the usual dose ranges provided in the guidelines 1. When converting between these beta blockers, it's essential to consider their pharmacokinetic properties and potencies.
- Betaxolol is a beta-1 selective blocker with a typical daily dose of 5-20 mg 1.
- Metoprolol is also a beta-1 selective blocker, but its usual dose range is 100-200 mg per day, divided into two doses 1. This means that 25 mg of betaxolol is roughly equivalent to 100-200 mg of metoprolol daily. The exact dosage should be individualized based on the patient's blood pressure response, heart rate, and tolerance. When making this switch, it's advisable to start at the lower end of the equivalent dose range and titrate up as needed. Both medications are used for similar indications such as hypertension, but their dosing frequencies may differ due to their half-lives. Monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate is essential during the transition period to ensure adequate therapeutic effect is maintained, as recommended in the guidelines for managing patients with high blood pressure 1. It's also important to note that the choice of beta blocker should be based on pharmacokinetic and side effect criteria, as well as physician familiarity, as stated in the guidelines for managing patients with unstable angina/non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction 1.
From the Research
Conversion of Betaxolol to Metoprolol
- The conversion of betaxolol to metoprolol is not directly addressed in the provided studies, but we can look at the properties and dosages of both beta blockers to understand their relationship.
- Betaxolol is a cardioselective β-adrenoceptor blocking drug with no partial agonist activity and weak membrane-stabilizing activity 2.
- Metoprolol is also a beta blocker, and its dosage can vary depending on the condition being treated, with a typical range of 50-200 mg per day for hypertension and angina pectoris 3.
- A study on switching between beta blockers provides a practical approach to switching between commonly prescribed beta blockers, considering drug interchangeability, rationale for switching, and necessary initial adjustments to dose/frequency 4.
- However, there is no specific guidance on converting betaxolol 25 mg to metoprolol, and the conversion may depend on various factors, including the patient's condition, response to treatment, and tolerability of the medication.
- In general, when switching between beta blockers, the dosage may need to be adjusted based on the patient's response and the properties of the specific medication being used 5, 6.