Bisoprolol

Generic Name: bisoprolol (BIS oh PROE lol)
Brand Names: Zebeta

What is bisoprolol?

Bisoprolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Bisoprolol is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Bisoprolol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

Do not skip doses or stop taking bisoprolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse or cause other serious heart problems.

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If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medicine.

You should not use bisoprolol if you have a serious heart condition such as "AV block," severe heart failure, or slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint.

Keep using bisoprolol as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use bisoprolol if you you are allergic to it, or if you have a serious heart condition such as:

"AV block";

severe heart failure; or

slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint.

To make sure bisoprolol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

congestive heart failure or other heart problems;

coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);

circulation problems (such as Raynaud's syndrome);

asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder;

diabetes (taking bisoprolol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar);

liver or kidney disease;

a thyroid disorder; or

a history of allergies.

It is not known whether bisoprolol is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether bisoprolol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Bisoprolol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take bisoprolol?

Take bisoprolol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not skip doses or stop taking bisoprolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse or cause other serious heart problems.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using bisoprolol.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

Store bisoprolol at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

See also: Dosage Information (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking bisoprolol?

This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of bisoprolol.

Bisoprolol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to bisoprolol: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

slow heart rate;

pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

numbness, tingling, or cold feeling in your hands or feet;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

eye pain, vision problems; or

bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing).

Common bisoprolol side effects may include:

headache;

feeling tired;

sleep problems (insomnia);

joint pain;

swelling; or

cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, runny nose, cough, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

Bisoprolol dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day

Dose Titration: If desired response is not achieved, may increase the dose to 10 mg, then 20 mg if necessary

Maximum dose: 20 mg per day

Comments:

-Dosage should be individualized to the patient; some patients may benefit from a starting dose of 2.5 mg once a day.

-In clinical trials, blood pressure lowering effects were seen at 1 week and changed little thereafter.

Use: Management of hypertension, alone or with other antihypertensive agents

What other drugs will affect bisoprolol?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

insulin or oral diabetes medicine;

rifampin; or

heart or blood pressure medicine--clonidine, digitalis, digoxin, diltiazem, reserpine, or verapamil.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with bisoprolol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.