Bisoprolol is a generic beta blocker that lowers blood pressure by widening arteries and decreasing the force of heartbeats. FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure, bisoprolol is sometimes used by healthcare professionals use it off-label for some heart conditions. Bisoprolol can only be taken as a tablet, but people will only need to take one dose daily.
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Bisoprolol overview
BRAND NAMES:
There are no brand-name versions of bisoprolol
Generic Names:
Bisoprolol fumarate
Uses:
Treats high blood pressure
Therapeutic Classes:
Antihypertensive, cardiovascular agent, beta blocker, cardioselective beta blocker
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Bisoprolol used for?
Bisoprolol fumarate treats high blood pressure. Doctors may use it off-label to treat heart failure and heart rhythm abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation.
What form(s) does Bisoprolol come in
Tablet
5 mg
10 mg
What are common Bisoprolol doses?
For hypertension in adults: 5–10 mg tablet once per day
Common Bisoprolol prescriptions
Bisoprolol Fumarate
30 tablets bottleBisoprolol Fumarate
10mg tabletBisoprolol Fumarate
5mg tablet
How to take Bisoprolol
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.
What to do if you miss a dose of Bisoprolol
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.
Bisoprolol contraindications
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.
Bisoprolol warnings
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 interactions
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
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.
Bisoprolol side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
Worsening chest pain or new chest pain
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing
Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, asthma-like symptoms
Vision changes, eye pain
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Headache
Fatigue
Elevated liver enzymes
Sources:
Bisoprolol fumarate tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Zebeta drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
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