Bisoprolol dosage, side effects
Bisoprolol dosage, side effects:
Bisoprolol is a beta-1 selective adrenergic receptor blocker (beta-blocker) used primarily to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart-related conditions such as:
- Chronic heart failure (usually in combination with other drugs)
- Coronary artery disease
- Stable angina (chest pain)
It works by slowing the heart rate and reducing the heart’s workload, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
2. Brand Names of Bisoprolol
Bisoprolol is sold under various brand names worldwide, including:
Common Brand Names:
- Zebeta (U.S., Canada, and some European countries)
- Concor (widely used in Europe, Asia, and Latin America)
- Bisoprolol Sandoz (generic, available in many countries)
- Cardicor (UK, Ireland)
- Emcor (UK)
- Biselect (Germany, Austria)
- Bisogamma (Germany)
- Bisoprolol-Ratiopharm (generic)
- Monocor (Australia)
Generic Availability:
Yes, bisoprolol is widely available as a generic medication under the name “bisoprolol fumarate” in various dosages (e.g., 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg).
3. Dosage Forms
- Tablets (most common, often film-coated)
- Extended-release formulations (in some countries)
4. Key Side Effects
Common side effects may include:
- Fatigue, dizziness
- Headache
- Cold hands/feet
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Shortness of breath (in some cases)
Serious (but rare) side effects:
- Worsening heart failure (if not properly managed)
- Severe low blood pressure
- Masking symptoms of low blood sugar (caution in diabetics)
5. Contraindications & Precautions
- Not recommended for people with:
- Severe asthma or COPD (due to potential bronchoconstriction)
- Severe bradycardia (very slow heart rate)
- Untreated heart failure
- Cardiogenic shock
- Caution in diabetics (may mask hypoglycemia symptoms)
- Avoid abrupt withdrawal (can cause rebound hypertension or angina)
6. Drug Interactions
Bisoprolol may interact with:
- Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem) → Risk of severe bradycardia
- Other blood pressure medications → Increased hypotension
- Insulin/diabetes meds → Altered blood sugar control
- NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) → May reduce bisoprolol’s effectiveness
7. Conclusion
Bisoprolol is a widely used beta-blocker available under brand names like Concor, Zebeta, Cardicor, and Emcor, as well as generics. It’s effective for hypertension and heart conditions but requires careful monitoring in certain patients.
