bisoprolol Health Article

Generic name(s):

bisoprolol

Brand name(s):

Zebeta

What is the most important information I should know about bisoprolol?

Do not skip doses or stop taking bisoprolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse or cause other serious heart problems.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using bisoprolol. You may need to briefly stop using bisoprolol before having surgery.

Bisoprolol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol, which could increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking bisoprolol.

Bisoprolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.

Hypertension often has no symptoms, so you may not even feel that you have high blood pressure. Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

What is bisoprolol?

Bisoprolol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Bisoprolol is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Bisoprolol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bisoprolol?

Before taking bisoprolol, tell your doctor if you have:

• asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;

• diabetes;

• low blood pressure;

• a heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heart rate, or congestive heart failure;

• depression;

• liver or kidney disease;

• a thyroid disorder;

• myasthenia gravis;

• pheochromocytoma; or

• problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use bisoprolol, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether bisoprolol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take bisoprolol?

Take bisoprolol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Take bisoprolol at the same time every day.

Do not skip doses or stop taking bisoprolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse or cause other serious heart problems.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using bisoprolol. You may need to briefly stop using bisoprolol before having surgery.

Bisoprolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.

Hypertension often has no symptoms, so you may not even feel that you have high blood pressure. Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store bisoprolol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.