Bisoprolol

In Aotearoa New Zealand bisoprolol comes as tablets (2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg).

• The usual dose of bisoprolol for angina or high blood pressure is 10 milligrams (mg) once a day.
• If you're taking bisoprolol for heart failure, you will usually be started on a very low dose which will be increased slowly over a few months. This allows your body to get used to the medicine and reduces side effects.
• For example, you will be started on 1.25 mg once daily for 1 week, then increased to:
  • 2.5 mg once daily for 1 week, then
  • 3.75 mg once daily for 1 week, then
  • 5 mg once daily for 4 weeks, then
  • 7.5 mg once daily for 4 weeks, then
  • 10 mg once daily.
• Always take bisoprolol exactly as your prescriber has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much bisoprolol to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

• Timing: Take bisoprolol once a day, in the morning. Swallow your tablet with a glass of water. You can take bisoprolol with or without food.
• Missed dose: If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Don't take double the dose.
• Keep taking bisoprolol regularly: Treatment with bisoprolol is usually long-term. Don't stop taking bisoprolol suddenly. Talk to your doctor or nurse before stopping.

Here are some things to know when you're taking bisoprolol. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Avoid alcohol while you're taking bisoprolol, especially when you first start treatment. Alcohol can increase your risk of side effects, eg, dizziness.
• Bisoprolol can interact with other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you're taking including over the counter medicines, herbal and complementary medicines or recreational drugs.

If you have diabetes

• If you have diabetes, bisoprolol may cause changes in your blood glucose level. This effect usually settles with time.
• Beta-blockers may reduce the warning signs of a low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia – often called a hypo). For example, you may not have the feeling of fast, irregular or strong heartbeats (palpitations) or tremor, which can occur when your blood glucose is going too low.
• If you're worried about this, talk to your doctor. Don't stop taking bisoprolol without checking with your doctor first. Read more about hypoglycaemia.

If you have asthma

• If you have asthma, taking a beta blocker may trigger your asthma symptoms or make them worse. Not everybody with asthma is sensitive to bisoprolol.
• If you're worried about this, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a different medicine or increase the dose of your asthma preventer medication.
• Don't suddenly stop taking bisoprolol without talking to your doctor first. This can be dangerous and make you feel unwell. Read more about medicines that may trigger asthma symptoms.

Like all medicines bisoprolol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if they bother you.

• Tiredness, headache, problems falling asleep or nightmares.
• Low mood.
• Nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (being sick).
• Cold hands and feet, dry eyes, sexual problems.
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded or faint when you stand up. This is quite common when you first start taking bisoprolol and usually goes way with time. Be careful when getting up from either lying down or sitting to avoid falls. These effects put you at risk of falls and injuries, especially if you're an older adult. Stand up slowly. If you do feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a few moments.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Changes in your heartbeat (feeling like it's too fast or irregular).
• Problems with breathing such as chest tightness, or wheezing or swelling of your ankles or feet.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.