Bisoprolol

Brand Names

Zebeta

What is Bisoprolol

Bisoprolol is in a group of medications known as beta-blockers. It affects the response to nerve impulses in certain parts of the body, like the heart. As a result, the heart beats slower and decreases the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen is increased to the heart. This medicine is used for the control of mild to moderate high blood pressure but does not cure the condition.

Bisoprolol is sold only with doctor's prescription.

Side effects of Bisoprolol

These side effects are infrequent but potentially serious. Please inform your doctor as soon as possible.

Side effects include:

• Lightheadedness or fainting, which can be a sign of dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension)
• A slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Chest pain
• Worsening of asthma
• Depression

Signs of heart failure are: rapid weight gain, swelling of the hands and feet, shortness of breath

Signs of an allergic reaction are: unexplained rash, hive, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Indication

This medication does not cure high blood pressure (hypertension) but only controls it. It may take a few weeks before you feel well. However you should continue taking bisoprolol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking bisoprolol until your doctor instructs you to do so. Suddenly stopping bisoprolol may cause angina (chest pain), heart attack, or irregular heartbeat. Your doctor may decrease your dose if it is needed.

Precautions

You should not use bisoprolol if you are allergic to it, or if you have certain serious heart conditions such as"AV block" or slow heart rhythm.

Before you start taking this medication, please inform your doctor if you have any medical conditions such as:

• asthma, bronchitis, emphysema
• diabetes
• a heart problem such as angina, heart block, slow heart rhythm, or congestive heart failure
• liver or kidney disease
• a thyroid disorder
• problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome)

You also need to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not use bisoprolol without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Dosage forms

The dose of this medicine varies depending on a patient and the exact dosage will depend on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on your medical condition for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage form (tablets)

For high blood pressure:

Adults—At first, 5mg once a day. Some patients may take 2.5 mg once day as a starting dose. Your doctor may increase your dose up to 20 mg once a day if needed.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Do not change your dosage by yourself until your doctor will instruct you to do so