GENERIC NAME: bisoprolol
BRAND NAME: Zebeta
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Bisoprolol blocks the action
of the
sympathetic nervous system on the heart by blocking the heart
's
beta-adrenergic receptors. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents such
as
bisoprolol reduce the heart rate and are useful in treating
abnormally
rapid heart rhythms. Bisoprolol also reduces the force of
contraction of
the heart and lowers blood pressure. By reducing the heart rate
and the
force of muscle contraction, beta-adrenergic blocking agents
reduce the
heart's need for oxygen. Since angina (heart pain) occurs
when oxygen
need exceeds supply, beta-adrenergic blocking agents are useful
in
treating angina.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 5mg, 10mg.
STORAGE: Bisoprolol should be stored at room
temperature, 59-86°F
(15-30°C) in an air-tight container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Bisoprolol is used for treating
patients with
high blood pressure. It may be used alone or together with other
medications.
DOSING: The usual dose of bisoprolol is 5 mg or 10 mg
once daily
although doses up to 20 mg daily have been prescribed. Some
patients, for
example, those with marked kidney, liver or lung diseases, may
be given
2.5 mg daily. Bisoprolol can be taken with or without food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Rifampin can 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 may also cause excessive reductions in heart
rate.
PREGNANCY: There is no information about the effects on
the
fetus of bisoprolol given to pregnant women. In rats given
doses over
100-fold greater (per weight) than those used in humans, there
were some
damaging effects on the fetus. Physicians may elect to use
bisoprolol in
pregnancy if its benefits are deemed to outweigh potential
risks.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not
known whether bisoprolol is secreted in breast milk, although many drugs are secreted in breast
milk.
Bisoprolol may be used in lactating women if the physician
feels the
benefits outweigh the possible risks.
SIDE EFFECTS: Bisoprolol is generally well-tolerated,
and side
effects are mild and transient. Rare side effects include
abdominal
cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea, impotence, slow
heart rate,
low blood pressure, numbness, tingling, cold extremities, sore
throat, and
shortness of breath or wheezing.
Bisoprolol can aggravate breathing difficulties in patients
with asthma,
chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. In patients with existing
slow heart
rates (bradycardias) and heart blocks (defects in electrical
conduction
within the heart), bisoprolol can cause dangerously slow heart
rates and
even shock. Bisoprolol reduces the force of contraction of
heart muscle
and can aggravate symptoms of heart failure. In patients with
coronary
artery disease, abruptly stopping bisoprolol can suddenly
worsen angina,
and occasionally precipitate heart attacks. If it is necessary
to
discontinue bisoprolol, its dosage can be reduced gradually
over one to
two weeks. Bisoprolol can mask the early warning symptoms of
low blood
sugar (hypoglycemia), and should be used with caution in
patients
receiving treatment for diabetes.
Last Editorial Review: 3/26/1998 2:30:00 PM
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.
- 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.
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