What is Bisoprolol? Uses, warnings & side effects

Follow all the prescriber’s directions when taking bisoprolol. The dose may change at the beginning of therapy.

5 mg tablets are scored to allow them to be divided into two 2.5 mg doses, a common starting dose. Ask a pharmacist how to break tablets in two if you don’t know how.

Bisoprolol tablets can be taken with or without food.

Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water.

Store bisoprolol tablets at room temperature, protected from light and moisture.

Ask the prescriber what to do in case a dose is missed.

The prescriber most likely will advise you to take a missed dose as soon as you remember.

If it’s the next day, skip the missed dose and take that day’s dose. 

Do not take two doses on the same day.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to bisoprolol or any type of beta blocker.

Bisoprolol is also contraindicated in people with severe and potentially fatal heart rhythm problems. These are very serious conditions, so a doctor will know that you have them.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking bisoprolol. Healthcare professionals may tell you to stop using this medicine several days before major surgery or certain medical tests.

The doctor will need to schedule regular visits and tests to see if bisoprolol treatment is working and not causing side effects. Keep all appointments.

Tell the doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems

• Heart disease

• Coronary artery disease

• Heart failure

• Circulation problems

• Lung or breathing problems such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema

• Diabetes or problems with low blood sugar

• Overactive thyroid

Bisoprolol may worsen the symptoms of heart failure, cause low blood pressure, or mask the symptoms of low blood sugar.

Do not drive or do anything else that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.

Do not stop taking bisoprolol until you’ve talked to a doctor. Some people with heart conditions may experience problems if they suddenly stop taking bisoprolol doses. To avoid these problems, the doctor may need to taper the dose when it’s time to stop.

Bisoprolol can cause problems when combined with other drugs, so tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use, particularly:

• Other beta blockers

• Calcium channel blockers

• Heart rhythm medications such as disopyramide

• Digitalis drugs like digoxin

• Catecholamine-depleting drugs such as amphetamines or the blood pressure drugs reserpine or guanethidine

• General anesthetics

Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.