Synonyms
Bisohexal, Rivacor, Bilol, Bisacardiol, Beta-blockerBisoprolol belongs to the group of beta-receptor blockers. Beta-receptors, also called beta-adrenoreceptors, are found in various parts of the body and are activated by the hormone adrenaline, which is released by the body during exertion, excitement and tension. Especially many of the beta receptors are located at the heart, which beats faster and stronger when adrenaline is released, so that the body can meet the demands placed on it.
The cardiac output per minute must be increased, i.e. the amount of blood that is pumped out by the heart per minute. Blood pressure is also increased because muscle cells are also found in the body’s vessels (arteries and veins). Depending on how tense or relaxed they are, blood pressure increases or decreases.
However, blood pressure also depends on other factors, such as arteriosclerosis or how sporty you are. Other beta receptors are located in the lungs and in the muscles. Beta-receptor blockers such as bisoprolol take advantage of this mechanism and attack the beta-receptors directly and block the receptor so that adrenaline can no longer bind to the receptor.
As a result, the heart beats more slowly and is itself better supplied with oxygen. In addition, the muscle cells in the blood vessels relax and thus the blood pressure is lowered. Typical applications of beta-blockers such as bisoprolol are high blood pressure, cardiac insufficiency and circulatory disorders of the coronary arteries (angina pectoris).
Forms
The active ingredient bisoprolol fumarate is sold under various trade names: Bisohexal, Rivacor, Bilol, Bisacardiol and many others. There is also bisoprolol in combination with hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic, for enhanced blood pressure control (for example, Bilol comp. , Concor plus). Bisoprolol is usually prescribed in tablet form in strengths of 1.25mg, 2.5mg, 3.75mg, 5mg, 7.5mg and 10mg.
Dosage
The dosage of bisoprolol depends on the type of disease. Unless otherwise prescribed, the tablets should be taken in the morning with a small amount of liquid. Beta-blockers such as bisoprolol should always be taken in small doses, which means that over a period of about two weeks the dosage is gradually and continuously increased.
There is no time limit on the use of bisoprolol and changes in dosage should be determined by the doctor. Under no circumstances should bisoprolol be discontinued without prior consultation with a physician, as patients with circulatory disorders of the coronary vessels (coronary heart disease, angina pectoris) may experience a worsening of their condition. Here too, the dosage of bisoprolol should be slowly reduced over a period of 7-10 days.
Unless otherwise prescribed, the dosage is
- For high blood pressure once a day 5mg, for mild high blood pressure 2.5mg may be sufficient. An increase in dose in case of insufficient effect is up to 10mg per day. – for coronary heart disease (CHD, angina pectoris) once daily 5mg with a possible dose increase up to 10mg.
- In stable chronic heart failure 1.25mg-10mg. Here the dosage is increased gradually. In the standard therapy of chronic heart failure, ACE inhibitors, diuretics and possibly cardiac glycosides are also given as a supplement.
