Abstract

Xamoterol (Corwin - ICI) is a selective β₁, adrenoceptor partial agonist which was at first promoted for the treatment of chronic heart failure, except in severe cases. In May the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) and the manufacturer recommended much more restricted use¹ and as we went to press it was being suggested in the media that the drug should be withdrawn. We here discuss whether it should be used or not.