Bisoprolol High Blood Pressure Medicine
Bisoprolol is used alone or in combination as a high blood pressure medicine. Bisoprolol is in a class of medicines called beta blockers. It works by slowing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. Bisoprolol blocks the action of the sympathetic nervous system on the heart by blocking the heart's beta-adrenergic receptors. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents such as bisoprolol reduce the heart rate and are useful in treating abnormally rapid heart rhythms. The high blood pressure medicine Bisoprolol also reduces the force of contraction of the heart and lowers blood pressure. By reducing the heart rate and the force of muscle contraction, beta-adrenergic blocking agents reduce the heart's need for oxygen.
Bisoprolol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take bisoprolol, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take bisoprolol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of bisoprolol and gradually increase your dose.
Bisoprolol is a high blood pressure medicine, it controls it but does not cure it. It may take a few weeks before you feel the full benefit of bisoprolol. Continue to take bisoprolol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking bisoprolol without talking to your doctor. Suddenly stopping bisoprolol may cause angina, heart attack, or irregular heartbeat.Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
Bisoprolol also is used sometimes to treat heart failure. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medicine for your condition. This medicine may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking bisoprolol,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bisoprolol or any other medicines.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, others) and verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan); clonidine (Catapres); guanethidine (Ismelin); medicines for irregular heartbeat such as disopyramide (Norpace); other beta blockers; reserpine (Serpalan, Serpasil, Serpatabs); and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medicines or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or other lung disease; a slow heart rate; heart failure; heart, liver, or kidney disease; diabetes; severe allergies; circulation problems; or an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking bisoprolol, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking bisoprolol.
you should know that the high blood pressure medicine bisoprolol may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medicine.
you should know that if you have allergic reactions to different substances, your reactions may be worse while you are using bisoprolol, and your allergic reactions may not respond to the usual doses of injectable epinephrine.
If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.
Keep this high blood pressure medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any high blood pressure medicine (bisoprolol) that is outdated or no longer needed.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
unusual weight gain
difficulty breathing or swallowing
dizziness
fainting
shakiness
sweating
confusion
blurred vision
headache
numbness or tingling of the mouth
weakness
extreme tiredness
sudden hunger
pale color
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to bisoprolol. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate). Ask your pharmacist or doctor to teach you how to take your pulse. If your pulse is faster or slower than it should be, call your doctor.Bisoprolol can aggravate breathing difficulties in patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. In patients with existing slow heart rates (bradycardias) and heart blocks (defects in electrical conduction within the heart), bisoprolol can cause dangerously slow heart rates and even shock. The high blood pressure medicine Bisoprolol reduces the force of contraction of heart muscle and can aggravate symptoms of heart failure. In patients with coronary artery disease, abruptly stopping bisoprolol can suddenly worsen angina, and occasionally precipitate heart attacks. If it is necessary to discontinue bisoprolol, its dosage can be reduced gradually over one to two weeks. The high blood pressure medicine Bisoprolol can mask the early warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment for diabetes.
Do not let anyone else take your high blood pressure medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
Zebeta
Brand names of combination products
Ziac containing Bisoprolol Fumarate and Hydrochlorothiazide