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February 9, 2010
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Medications and Drugs

Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

GENERIC NAME: bisoprolol

BRAND NAME: Zebeta

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Bisoprolol belongs to a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents that also includes propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), and timolol (Blocadren). Bisoprolol is used for treating high blood pressure and heart pain (angina). Bisoprolol prevents the neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to communicate with other nerves), norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline), from binding to beta receptors on nerves. By blocking the effect of norepinephrine and epinephrine on the nerves reaching the heart and blood vessels, beta blockers reduce heart rate and the force with which the heart contracts and reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels but may constrict air passages by stimulating the muscles that surround the air passages. Angina occurs when the heart's need for oxygen exceeds the supply of oxygen-carrying blood. By slowing heart rate and decreasing the force with which the heart muscle contracts, bisoprolol reduces the work of the heart and the demand of the heart for oxygen. The FDA approved bisoprolol in July 1992.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 5 and 10 mg.

STORAGE: Bisoprolol should be stored at room temperature, 59-86 F (15-30 C) in an air-tight container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Bisoprolol is used alone or with other drugs for treating patients with high blood pressure. It also is used for treating angina and congestive heart failure.

DOSING: The usual adult dose of bisoprolol is 2.5-20 mg once daily.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Rifampin may increase the metabolism (destruction) of bisoprolol, possibly making bisoprolol less effective. Certain calcium channel blockers, especially verapamil (Calan, Isoptin) and diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac), may enhance the effect of bisoprolol on the heart. In some patients, this may cause excessive slowing of the heart rate or reduce the heart's ability to beat. The use of digoxin (Lanoxin) with bisoprolol also may cause an excessive reduction in heart rate.

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), can reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of beta- blockers.

PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if bisoprolol is secreted in breast milk.

SIDE EFFECTS: Bisoprolol is generally well-tolerated, and side effects are mild and transient. Side effects include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, depression, headache, nausea, impotence, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, numbness, tingling, cold extremities, sore throat, and shortness of breath or wheezing.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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  • Beta Blockers - Learn more about Beta Blockers, a drug that treats angina and other heart rhythm disorders, migraines, high blood pressure, panic attacks, and tremors. Generic and brand names are included in the article.
  • High Blood Pressure - Learn about high blood pressure symptoms like headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision and more. Causes, and normal blood pressure information is included.
  • Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

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bisoprolol, Zebeta

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increas...

Read the High Blood Pressure article »











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