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 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 ahead of time that you are using bisoprolol.
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. It can increase some of the side effects of 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.
Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bisoprolol?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bisoprolol, or if you have certain serious heart conditions such as"AV block" or slow heart rhythm.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take bisoprolol, tell your doctor if you have:
asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;
diabetes (taking bisoprolol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar);
a heart problem such as angina, heart block, slow heart rhythm, or congestive heart failure;
liver or kidney disease;
a thyroid disorder; or
problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether bisoprolol is 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.