Bisoprolol for High Blood Pressure

Bisoprolol is a member of the beta-blocker group of drugs used to treat high blood pressure and angina. The most common side effects of bisoprolol include headache, dizziness, and fatigue. If the drug is stopped suddenly, more severe side effects may also occur. We provide comprehensive information on side effects, contraindications, drug interactions, and dosage of bisoprolol.

Beta blocker bisoprolol

The active ingredient bisoprolol belongs to the group of beta-blockers (beta-receptor blockers). It is used to treat essential hypertension as well as stable angina. In addition, bisoprolol can be used together with other drugs in chronic heart failure.

Active substances from the beta blocker group occupy the beta receptors on the heart. As a result, the hormone adrenaline can no longer dock to these receptors. In the body, adrenaline causes, among other things, an increase in cardiac output and blood pressure.

By taking beta blockers such as bisoprolol, the heart beats more slowly and less forcefully, and blood pressure drops. In addition, the heart uses less energy and oxygen, relieving typical angina symptoms such as difficulty breathing and pain around the heart.

Side effects of bisoprolol

Just as with other agents, side effects may occur from taking bisoprolol. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, sensory disturbances, fatigue, and tiredness.

Occasionally, the following side effects may also occur while taking the beta-blocker:

  • Confusion, mood swings, depression, and sleep disturbances.
  • Circulatory problems
  • Muscle weakness and joint disease
  • Skin rashes and itching
  • Slowed heartbeat, impaired heart function, and drop in blood pressure when getting up from sitting or lying down
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain

Rarely, side effects also occur after taking bisoprolol, such as decreased lacrimation, an increase in blood lipids, breathing disorders, sweating, desire disorders, as well as weight gain.

Dosage of bisoprolol

Exactly how bisoprolol is dosed must be determined by the treating physician on an individual basis. Therefore, please understand the following dosage information as general guidelines only. In general, when taking bisoprolol, start with a low dose that can then be gradually increased as needed.

If bisoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure or angina, a dose of five milligrams per day is usually started. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 10 milligrams per day. In exceptional cases, a further increase in the dose is possible. If only mild high blood pressure is present, the administration of 2.5 milligrams of bisoprolol may already be sufficient.

If you have taken an overdose of bisoprolol, you should notify a doctor immediately. Depending on how high the dose was, you may experience severe side effects. These include a severe drop in blood pressure, slowed heartbeat, heart muscle weakness, and cardiogenic shock. In addition, impaired consciousness, difficulty breathing, and nausea and seizures may occur.

Discontinuing bisoprolol

Do not change the dosage of bisoprolol or discontinue the beta-blocker without consulting a physician. Otherwise, the patient’s condition may worsen. If bisoprolol is to be discontinued, this is usually done by gradually lowering the dose. It usually takes between three and ten days before the active substance can be completely discontinued.

If bisoprolol is stopped abruptly, dangerous side effects may occur. These include reduced blood flow to the heart muscle with renewed aggravation of angina pectoris, a heart attack, and rapidly reappearing high blood pressure.