Bisoprolol

What bisoprolol is for

Bisoprolol is a type of medicine called a beta-blocker. It helps to lower blood pressure.

Bisoprolol is mainly used to treat:

• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• heart-related chest pain (angina)

It can also be used, along with other medicines, to treat heart failure (where your heart is unable to pump blood around your body properly).

How to take bisoprolol

Bisoprolol usually comes as tablet you swallow. Most people take it once a day.

Your doctor may prescribe a low dose to start with and increase it after around a week or more. This reduces the chance of side effects.

When taking bisoprolol:

• try to take it at the same time each day, usually in the morning
• swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water
• do not chew the tablets

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of bisoprolol

If you forget to take a dose of bisoprolol, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much bisoprolol

It's important to get medical advice if you take too much bisoprolol because it can sometimes be dangerous.

Side effects of bisoprolol

Like all medicines, bisoprolol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of bisoprolol include:

• headaches
• feeling tired (fatigue) and weak
• your hands and feet feeling cold, numb or tingly
• low blood pressure (hypotension), which can make you feel dizzy and tired
• feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
• diarrhoea or constipation

These side effects usually happen when you first start taking bisoprolol or when your dose is increased, but they often get better over time.

Bisoprolol will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery. But if you feel dizzy or have problems with your vision after taking it, wait until you no longer have these side effects.

Serious side effects

Bisoprolol can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of bisoprolol can include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• liver problems (hepatitis) – causing symptoms such as feeling sick, tummy pain, dark pee or yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes (jaundice)
• breathing problems
• an unusual heartbeat, or your heart symptoms getting worse, if you have heart failure

Who can and cannot take bisoprolol

Most adults can take bisoprolol.

Bisoprolol is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction to bisoprolol or another beta blocker before
• you have breathing problems, such as asthma
• you have low blood pressure (hypotension)
• you have diabetes
• you have kidney disease
• you have a problem with blood flow in your legs (peripheral arterial disease)

Before taking bisoprolol, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and bisoprolol

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.

Taking bisoprolol while you’re breastfeeding may cause side effects in your baby.

But your doctor may recommend you take bisoprolol if the benefits to you outweigh the risks to your baby. Or they may recommend you try a different beta-blocker while you’re breastfeeding.

If you're taking bisoprolol while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and bisoprolol

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant.

Bisoprolol can be taken during pregnancy, but you and your baby may be offered extra checks if you're taking it.

If you need to take bisoprolol, the benefits of taking it usually outweigh any risks for your baby.

Find out more about taking bisoprolol during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking bisoprolol with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with bisoprolol.

This includes some types of:

• heart medicines, such as flecainide
• blood pressure medicines, such as clonidine
• medicines used for eye conditions such as glaucoma
• painkillers, such as ibuprofen
• antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
• medicines to clear a blocked nose

This is not the full list of medicines that may not mix well with bisoprolol. Before taking bisoprolol, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with bisoprolol

You can eat as normal while taking bisoprolol. Drinking alcohol while you're taking bisoprolol may increase the risk of low blood pressure.

Having periods where you do not eat or drink anything (fasting) is also not recommended if you take bisoprolol. This is because it can affect your blood sugar (glucose) level.