What are bisoprolol tablets?
BISOPROLOL (Zebeta®) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. Bisoprolol controls, but does not cure, high blood pressure (hypertension). Bisoprolol may also be used to improve symptoms in patients with heart disease. Generic bisoprolol tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm
- bradycardia (unusually slow heartbeat)
- chest pain (angina)
- circulation problems, or blood vessel disease (such as Raynaud's disease)
- depression
- diabetes
- emphysema, or other lung disease
- heart disease (such as heart failure or history of heart attack)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- muscle weakness or myasthenia gravis
- psoriasis
- thyroid disease
- an unusual or allergic reaction to bisoprolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take bisoprolol tablets by mouth. You can take bisoprolol tablets with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with bisoprolol?
- antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
- cocaine
- hawthorn
- medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
- medicines for diabetes
- medicines for high blood pressure
- medicines to control heart rhythm
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™)
- rifampin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking bisoprolol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- changes in vision
- cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet
- confusion
- difficulty breathing, wheezing
- dizziness or fainting spells
- increased thirst
- increase in the amount of urine passed
- irregular heartbeat
- joint pain
- skin rash
- slow heart rate (fewer than recommended by your prescriber or health care professional)
- sweating
- swollen legs or ankles
- tremor, shakes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- anxiety
- depression, nightmares
- diarrhea
- nausea
- sexual difficulties, impotence
- unusual tiredness
What should I watch for while taking bisoprolol?
Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking bisoprolol. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her.
Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how bisoprolol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks.
Bisoprolol can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking bisoprolol.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
