Products
Bisoprolol is commercially available in film-coated tablet form as a monopreparation (Concor, generic) and as a fixed combination with hydrochlorothiazide (Concor plus, generic). It has been approved in many countries since 1986. In 2016, a fixed combination with perindopril was approved (Cosyrel).
Structure and properties
Bisoprolol (C18H31NO4, Mr = 325.4 g/mol) is present in drugs as bisoprolol fumarate and as a racemate, a white, slightly hygroscopic powder that is very soluble in water. Effects are predominantly attributed to the -enantiomer.
Effects
Bisoprolol (ATC C07AB07) has antihypertensive properties. It is selective for the heart (beta1) and has no membrane-stabilizing or intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. Bisoprolol is locally anesthetic, decreases cardiac activity, and reduces cardiac oxygen demand.
Indications
- Hypertension
- Angina pectoris in coronary artery disease
- Hyperkinetic heart syndrome
- Stable chronic heart failure
Dosage
According to the professional information. The tablets are usually taken once daily in the morning before or with breakfast and with liquid.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Bronchial asthma
- COPD
- Untreated pheochromocytoma
- Metabolic acidosis
- Certain cardiovascular diseases
Full details of precautions and interactions can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include a slow pulse (bradycardia), fatigue, dizziness, headache, sweating, low blood pressure, and digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
