Bisoprolol

Bisoprolol is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Bisoprolol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve and decrease blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

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. Talk to your doctor about how you feel and about any symptoms you experience during this time.

Bisoprolol controls high blood pressure 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. If you suddenly stop taking bisoprolol, you may experience serious heart problems such as angina (chest pain), heart attack, or irregular heartbeat. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually over 1 week. Your doctor will watch you carefully and will probably tell you to avoid physical activity during this time.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

Bisoprolol also is used sometimes to treat heart failure. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

Once you do get to see the doctor, don’t be surprised if you’re rushed out of the exam room before you get all of your questions answered, according to healthcare staffing agency Staff Care. Studies show that 41% of ophthalmologists spend just 9 to 12 minutes with a patient, and 13- to 16-minute appointments are the norm for 40% of cardiologists, 37% of pediatricians, 35% of urologists, 35% of family physicians, 34% of obstetricians and gynecologists and 30% of otolaryngologists.

This medication 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, any other medications, or any ingredients in bisoprolol tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking bisoprolol. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have a slow or irregular heart rate or heart failure. Your doctor may tell you not to take bisoprolol.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or other lung diseases; heart, liver, or kidney disease; diabetes; circulation problems; or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland). Also tell your doctor if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction to a food or any other substance.
• 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 bisoprolol may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• you should know that atenolol may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and prevent the warning signs and symptoms that would tell you that your blood sugar is low. Let your doctor know if you are unable to eat or drink normally or are vomiting while you are taking bisoprolol. You should know the symptoms of low blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms.
• you should know that if you have allergic reactions to different substances, your reactions may be worse while you are taking bisoprolol, and your allergic reactions may not respond to the usual doses of injectable epinephrine.

🔔 What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.