Bisoprolol slows the heart and reduces how hard it has to work. It is used in heart failure, angina, atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure — and it is one of the medicines where stopping suddenly is genuinely risky.
Heart failure, angina, high blood pressure, and controlling the heart rate in atrial fibrillation. It is also used after a heart attack.
In heart failure the dose is usually started very low and increased slowly over weeks or months — that gradual build is deliberate and important.
Once daily, usually in the morning, with or without food. Take it at the same time each day.
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember on the same day. If it is nearly time for the next, skip it — do not double up.
Tiredness, cold hands and feet, dizziness, headache and slow heart rate are the common ones. Tiredness often improves over the first few weeks.
Contact your doctor for:
Beta blockers can mask the warning signs of low blood sugar in diabetes, particularly a racing heart — worth knowing if you use insulin.
They can also worsen asthma, so tell your prescriber if you have it.
Alcohol adds to the dizziness, especially early on. Get up slowly from sitting or lying.
Tell your prescriber about other blood pressure medicines, verapamil or diltiazem, and medicines for asthma.
Bisoprolol is not usually first choice in pregnancy — speak to your GP if you are pregnant or planning to be, rather than stopping.
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