Bisoprolol (Concor) - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

What Is Bisoprolol?

Bisoprolol is a drug that belongs to a group called beta-blockers. These medicines affect the blood flow through arteries and veins by blocking the action of epinephrine on the heart and blood vessels. It is used to treat hypertension and heart failure, as it lowers blood pressure and prevents heart attacks, stroke, and kidney diseases. It comes as a tablet, and only available on prescription.

Bisoprolol is well-tolerated because it is a cardioselective β1-adrenergic blocking agent and is a useful alternative to non-selective β-blocker drugs like Carvedilol and Labetalol. It can be used alone or in combination with other drugs and is useful in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

What Is Bisoprolol Used For?

It is used to treat hypertension and heart failure. Lowering blood pressure prevents heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. Apart from high blood pressure, Bisoprolol is also used to treat atrial fibrillation and prevent chest pain due to angina.

How Does Bisoprolol Work?

Bisoprolol works by enhancing the heart’s ability to relax. It makes the heart beat slower and less forcefully. This relaxes the arteries and veins and reduces blood pressure and relieves irregular heart rhythms.

Bisoprolol blocks the adrenalin stimulation of beta receptors found in the heart muscle cells and heart conduction tissue. Usually, adrenalin and noradrenalin stimulation by beta receptors result in contraction of heart muscles and blood vessels, which increases the heart rate and blood pressure. Bisoprolol blocks this action, which makes the heart to contract slowly and lowers heart rate and blood pressure.

What Is the Dosage of Bisoprolol?

Bisoprolol tablets are available in 5 mg (milligram) and 10 mg strengths. Always take any tablet as prescribed by the doctor. Do not alter the dosage, unless suggested by the doctor. The dosage is:

• For hypertension - 2.5 to 5 mg orally once a day, can increase up to 10 or 20 mg per day if necessary.

• For heart failure - 1.25 mg orally once a day, can increase gradually not more than 10 mg per day.

For people suffering from asthma or any respiratory problems, kidney and liver problems, the doctor will prescribe 2.5 mg of Bisoprolol and then increase the dose gradually if needed.

What Are the Precautions and Contraindications of Bisoprolol?

Tell the doctor if individuals has the following health conditions, as it is not safe to use Bisoprolol:

• Bisoprolol allergy.

• Heart failure.

• Low blood pressure.

• Coronary artery disease.

• Peripheral vascular disease (Raynaud’s syndrome).

• Asthma.

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Breathing problems.

• Diabetes.

• Kidney disease.

• Liver problems.

• Thyroid disorders.

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Kids and young adults below 18 years.

How to Take Bisoprolol?

Always take this medicine as it was prescribed by the doctor. Read the prescription label and follow the directions properly. Go for regular checkups, as your doctor might change the dosage depending on how individual respond to the medicine. Avoid using it in a larger or smaller dosage than prescribed.

Never stop taking the drug abruptly, as it might worsen the condition or cause other serious heart problems. Keep taking medicine even after the symptoms of high blood pressure go away, as one may need to use this for the rest of their life.

What Are the Symptoms of Bisoprolol Overdose?

If one take more than the prescribed dosage of Bisoprolol, it might lead to overdose. The symptoms of overdose are:

• Blurred vision.

• Cold sweats.

• Dizziness.

• Confusion.

• Tremors.

• Fast heartbeat.

• Pale skin.

• Coma.

• Confusion.

• Less urine output.

• Difficulty breathing.

What Are the Side Effects of Bisoprolol?

The common side effects include:

• Slow heart rate.

• Dizziness.

• Diarrhea.

• Nausea.

• Insomnia.

• Joint pain.

• Cough.

• Dry mouth.

• Stomach pain.

• Headache.

• Altered libido.

• Flu-like symptoms.

These symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own in a few days. But get immediate medical help, if the symptoms are getting worse or if one is not feeling fine even after a few days.

The serious side effects include:

• Allergy - skin rash, hives, facial swelling, difficulty to swallow, and itching.

• Irregular heart rate.

• Dizziness.

• Hypotension.

• Lowers HDL (high-density lipoprotein).

• Masks the symptoms of diabetes.

• Increases insulin resistance.

• Worsens congestive heart failure.

• Increases triglyceride levels.

• Lightheadedness.

• Dyspnea.

• Chest pain.

• Leg and ankle swelling.

• Numbness and tingling sensation in hands and feet.

• Muscle pain.

• Tremors.

• Profuse sweating.

• Confusion.

Go to the emergency room immediately if one notice any of these serious side effects.

What Other Drugs Can Bisoprolol Interact With?

This medicine can interact with other medications and can change the way that drug works. It can prevent the drug from working properly or result in severe side effects. Inform the doctor if they are taking any of the following medicines:

• Heart rhythm drugs - Sotalol, Amiodarone, Moricizine, Digoxin.

• Beta-blockers - Atenolol, Metoprolol, Propranolol.

• Calcium channel blockers - Amlodipine, Nifedipine.

• Diltiazem.

• Clonidine.

• Reserpine.

• Guanethidine.

• Blood pressure drugs.

• Alpha-blockers - Doxazosin, Prazosin.

• Lidocaine.

• Antimalarial drugs - Mefloquine.

• Norepinephrine or Phenylephrine.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - Indomethacin, Naproxen.

Do not consume alcohol while taking Bisoprolol, as it can dangerously lower your blood pressure levels. For more information on this drug and other ways to lower blood pressure, consult a cardiologist online now.

Conclusion

Bisoprolol is a beta-blocker medication that is used to treat heart disease. It helps in treating high blood pressure and works by preventing certain natural chemicals in the body such as epinephrine from acting on the heart and blood vessels. This effect will reduce the heart rate, blood pressure and heart strain.