netFormulary NHS
North East and North Cumbria
ICS Formulary
 Search
 Formulary Chapter 2: Cardiovascular system - Full Chapter
Chapter Links...
 Details...
02.04  Expand sub section  Beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs
Atenolol
(Cardioselective)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
First Choice
Green
 
Propranolol
(non-cardioselective)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
First Choice
Green
 
Atenolol Injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 5mg/10ml injection
 
 
Labetalol Injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 50mg/10ml and 100mg/20ml
 
 
Metoprolol Injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Injection: 5mg/5ml 
 
 
Propranolol Injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
 
 
Bisoprolol
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Alternatives
Green
  • 5mg & 10mg tablets.
  • 1.25mg, 2.5mg, 3.75mg & 7.5mg tablets - for use in the treatment of heart failure only. The 5mg and 10mg tablets should be used where possible - cheaper than other strengths.
 
 
Carvedilol
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Alternatives
Green
  • For use in the treatment of heart failure only.
 
 
Esmolol
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Alternatives
Red
 
 
Labetalol
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Alternatives
Green
  • Tablets: 50mg, 100mg, 200mg, 400mg
 
 
Metoprolol
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Alternatives
Green
  • Tablets: 50mg, 100mg
  • SR Tablets: 200mg 
 
 
Sotalol
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Alternatives
Green plus
  • Treatment should only be intiated on the advice of a cardiologist. 
 
 
Celiprolol Hydrochloride
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Restricted Drug Restricted
Green plus
  • For specialist use in the treatment of patients who cannot tolerate other beta-blockers. Treatment should only be intiated on the advice of a cardiologist. 
 
 
Nadolol
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Restricted Drug Restricted
Green plus
  • Limited to use by cardiologists in patients with long QT syndrome/idiopathic ventricular fibrillation.
  • Liquid formulations (unlicensedunlicensed) can be obtained for use in children if necessary. Treatment should only be on the advice of a cardiologist.
 
 
Nebivolol
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Restricted Drug Restricted
Green plus
  • For specialist use in the treatment of patients who cannot tolerate other beta-blockers. Treatment should only be on the advice of a cardiologist.
 
 
 ....
Key
note Notes
Section Title Section Title (top level)
Section Title Section Title (sub level)
First Choice Item First Choice item
Non Formulary Item Non Formulary section
Restricted Drug
Restricted Drug
Unlicensed Drug
Unlicensed
Track Changes
Display tracking information
click to search medicines.org.uk
Link to adult BNF
click to search medicines.org.uk
Link to children's BNF
click to search medicines.org.uk
Link to SPCs
Cytotoxic Drug
Cytotoxic Drug
CD
Controlled Drug
High Cost Medicine
High Cost Medicine
NHSE
NHS England
Homecare
Homecare
CCG
CCG

Traffic Light Status Information

Status Description

Red

Drugs for hospital use only. The responsibility for initiation and monitoring treatment should rest with an appropriate hospital clinician and the drug should be supplied through the hospital throughout the duration of treatment. In some very exceptional circumstances (e.g. due to distance from the hospital, storage, supply or mobility/transport problems) it may be appropriate for the GP to be asked to prescribe a Red drug. This should be negotiated on an individual patient basis and should only be done with the GP’s prior informed agreement where the roles of the GP and hospital services are clearly defined and agreed. The GP should not feel under pressure to prescribe in these circumstances. For all RED drugs automatically added to the formulary in response to a positive NICE TA: Prescribers need to ensure that local Trust new drug governance procedures and pharmacy processes are followed before any prescribing.  

Amber

Drugs initiated by hospital specialist, but where continuing treatment by GPs may be appropriate under a shared care arrangement. The specialist should send the GP a copy of the shared care agreement to sign. The GP should sign the shared care agreement, or indicate they do not want to be part of such an agreement, and return a copy back to the specialist. Shared care guidelines are available or are being developed for most of the drugs listed as Amber. If no shared care guideline is available, the hospital specialist should provide the patient’s GP with sufficient information and support to allow treatment to be continued and managed safely in primary care.  

Green plus

Drugs normally recommended or initiated by a specialist (hospital or GP with an extended role https://www.rcgp.org.uk/gpwer), but can be safely maintained in primary care with very little or no monitoring required. In some cases there may be a further restriction for use outlined - these will be defined in each case. Provision of additional information, or an information leaflet, may be appropriate in some cases to facilitate continuing treatment by GPs.  

Green

Drugs where prescribing by GPs is appropriate. Can be initiated and prescribed in all care settings, and if appropriate, discontinued without recourse to secondary care.  

Black

NOT APPROVED: Drugs that have been considered by NTAG or the NENC ICB Medicines Subcommittee (or other approved body) and are not approved for prescribing within the North East and North Cumbria.   

Brown

UNDER REVIEW: drugs whose current formulary status or RAG status is currently under review.  

Not Recomended

NOT REVIEWED: Drugs that haven not been reviewed yet. This usually means that an application is in progress. These drugs are not normally considered appropriate for prescribing in the North East and North Cumbria until such time that a decision is taken on their formulary status.  

netFormulary