Potential Side Effects of This Medication
Just like any medicine, bisoprolol may cause side effects.
However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious problems are less common.
Some of the most common side effects of bisoprolol include but are not limited to:
(Click Bisoprolol Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking bisoprolol if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How Does Bisoprolol Work?
Bisoprolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, more often known as
beta blockers. As the name implies, these medications block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places, including the heart and blood vessels. Stress hormones (such as adrenaline) bind to these receptors and cause certain reactions in the body, such as:
At lower doses, bisoprolol can help block a specific type of beta receptor called beta-1 receptors (at higher doses, it also blocks beta-2 receptors). By blocking beta-1 receptors, the medication causes the reverse effect of stress hormones. It decreases heart rate and both systolic and
diastolic blood pressure.
When and How to Take This Medicine
Some general considerations to keep in mind when taking bisoprolol include the following:
- Bisoprolol comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once a day.
- You can take your dose with a meal or on an empty stomach.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Bisoprolol will not work if you stop taking it.
- In general, bisoprolol should not be stopped suddenly, as serious problems (including heart attacks) may result.
The dose of bisoprolol your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of your high blood pressure
- How you respond to the medication
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you have.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Bisoprolol Drug Interactions
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose is likely to cause dangerously low
blood pressure (hypotension), a slow heart rate (bradycardia), and other serious problems. If you happen to take too much bisoprolol, seek prompt medical attention.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take your dose of bisoprolol, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Bisoprolol is currently available in generic form
(see Generic Zebeta for more information).
Bisoprolol is made by Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The generic version is made by various manufacturers.
Bisoprolol tablets come in the following strengths:
- Bisoprolol 5 mg
- Bisoprolol 10 mg.
