Betaxolol: a new long-acting beta 1-selective adrenergic blocker

Betaxolol (Searle, Skokie, Illinois) is a new beta 1-selective adrenergic blocker with no partial agonist action and minimal membrane stabilizing activity. Its pharmacokinetic profile is characterized by a long serum half-life and excellent oral bioavailability, with little first-pass metabolism. The mean 16-hour half-life of betaxolol has been shown to provide full 24-hour control of blood pressure and heart rate. Betaxolol has been proven to be a safe and effective antihypertensive agent, and was recently approved for clinical use in the United States for this indication.