What is bisoprolol? What is bisoprolol used for?
Bisoprolol is used for treating high blood pressure and heart pain (angina). Bisoprolol prevents the neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to communicate with other nerves), norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline), from binding to beta receptors on nerves.
Bisoprolol belongs to a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents that also includes propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), and timolol (Blocadren). By blocking the effect of norepinephrine and epinephrine on the nerves reaching the heart and blood vessels, beta blockers reduce heart rate and the force with which the heart contracts and reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels but may constrict air passages by stimulating the muscles that surround the air passages. Angina occurs when the heart's need for oxygen exceeds the supply of oxygen-carrying blood. By slowing heart rate and decreasing the force with which the heart muscle contracts, bisoprolol reduces the work of the heart and the demand of the heart for oxygen. The FDA approved bisoprolol in July 1992.
What brand names are available for bisoprolol?
Zebeta
Is bisoprolol available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for bisoprolol?
Yes
What are the side effects of bisoprolol?
Bisoprolol is generally well-tolerated, and side effects are
mild and transient. Side effects include:
- abdominal cramps,
- diarrhea,
- dizziness,
- fatigue,
- depression,
- headache,
- nausea,
- impotence,
- slow heart rate,
- low blood pressure,
- numbness,
- tingling,
- cold extremities,
- sore throat, and
- shortness of breath or
- wheezing.
Patients with asthma may have symptoms increase.
What is the dosage for bisoprolol?
- The usual adult dose of bisoprolol for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) is
2.5-20 mg once daily. - The dose for treating heart failure is 1.25 mg daily, not
to exceed 10 mg a day.
QUESTION
Salt and sodium are the same.
See Answer
Which drugs or supplements interact with bisoprolol?
: Rifampin may increase the metabolism (destruction) of
bisoprolol, possibly making bisoprolol less effective. Certain
calcium channel blockers
(CCBs), especially
verapamil (Calan,
Isoptin) and
diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac), may enhance the effect of bisoprolol on the
heart. In some patients, this may cause excessive slowing of the heart rate or
reduce the heart's ability to beat. The use of
digoxin (Lanoxin)
with bisoprolol also may cause an excessive reduction in heart rate.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as
ibuprofen
(Motrin, Advil) and
naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), can reduce the blood pressure lowering
effects of beta- blockers.
Is bisoprolol safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known if bisoprolol is secreted in breast milk.
What else should I know about bisoprolol?
What preparations of bisoprolol are available?
Tablets: 5 and 10 mg.
How should I keep bisoprolol stored?
Bisoprolol should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F) in an air-tight container.