The four different properties of beta-blockers are cardioselectivity, lipid solubility, intrinsic sympathomimetic activity and membrane stabilization. Each beta-blocker has a different amount of these properties, and it is important to consider these when selecting a beta-blocker for a specific condition. The chart below summarizes which beta-blockers possess each property.

Enlarge 

Lipid solubility: Beta-blockers that are lipid soluble, such as propranolol or metoprolol, can cross the blood-brain barrier easily. These medications are commonly used for migraine headaches, stage fright and panic attacks for these reasons.

Intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA): Beta-blockers with ISA only partially antagonize while actually causing a small degree of activation of the beta receptors. So they will have some beta-blocking effects, but not to the degree of beta-blockers without ISA. These are commonly used in younger patients or in athletes where heart rates need to elevate (allowing overall increased cardiopulmonary effort) in order to compete in sports. Examples include pindolol and acebutolol.

Membrane stabilization: Stabilizing membranes decreases the propagation of action potentials. This is also the mechanism that local anesthetics work (lidocaine). Class I antiarrhythmic drugs possess this characteristic as well. The importance of this is not clear in clinical medicine in regards to beta-blockers. Perhaps this is partially an explanation for propranolol treating migraine headaches.