Bisoprolol

The usual starting dose of bisoprolol is 5 mg once daily at the same time each day, with or without food. If your blood pressure does not respond well enough to the 5 mg dose, your doctor may decide to increase the dose to 10 mg, and then if necessary to 20 mg once daily.

Swallow bisoprolol tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Bisoprolol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Bisoprolol at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause diarrhea; it may cause dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving; it may cause unusual tiredness; it may cause leg swelling or water retention. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

5 mg
Each pink, film-coated, round, biconvex tablet, imprinted "E" over "771" on one side and bisected on the other side, contains 5 mg of bisoprolol fumarate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, and titanium dioxide.

10 mg
Each white, film-coated, round, biconvex tablet, imprinted "E" over "774" on one side and plain on the other side, contains bisoprolol fumarate 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, and titanium dioxide.

Do not take bisoprolol if you:

• are allergic to bisoprolol or any ingredients of the medication
• have a very low heart rate
• have cardiogenic shock or heart failure
• have right ventricular failure due to pulmonary hypertension
• have second or third degree AV (atrioventricular) block

There may be an interaction between bisoprolol and any of the following:

• Aldesleukin
• Aliskiren
• alpha agonists (e.g., Clonidine, methyldopa)
• alpha blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin)
• amifostine
• Amiodarone
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, lisdexamphetamine)
• angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; Captopril, Enalapril, Ramipril)
• angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs; e.g., Candesartan, Irbesartan, Losartan)
• anti-malarial medications (e.g., chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, Primaquine)
• anti-psychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, olanzepine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, Phenobarbital)
• beta-2 agonists (e.g., salbutamol, formoterol, terbutaline)
• brimonidine
• calcium channel blocker medicines (e.g., Diltiazem, Felodipine, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
• Carbamazepine
• Ceritinib
• conivaptan
• Dabrafenib
• Deferasirox
• Digoxin
• Dipyridamole
• Disopyramide
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene)
• Donepezil
• Dronedarone
• Duloxetine
• efavirenz
• Enzalutamide
• Epinephrine
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., Dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine)
• etravirine
• Fingolimod
• Galantamine
• grass pollen allergen extract
• Guanfacine
• insulin
• Lacosamide
• Lanreotide
• levodopa
• lidocaine
• Methylphenidate
• Minoxidil
• Mitotane
• Modafinil
• nitrates (e.g., Nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; e.g., Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• Octreotide
• other beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Propranolol, Sotalol)
• Bosentan
• Pasireotide
• Pentoxifylline
• phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil)
• Pilocarpine
• Pramipexole
• primidone
• Propafenone
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• Rivastigmine
• St. John's wort
• sulfonylureas (e.g., Gliclazide, Glyburide, Tolbutamide)
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• Tizanidine
• Tocilizumab
• tolcapone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Bisoprolol. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Bisoprolol.

Breathing problems: Although bisoprolol works mainly in the heart, it may have some effect on the lungs. Particularly at higher doses, bisoprolol can make symptoms of Asthma and certain other breathing problems worse. If you have asthma, other breathing problems, or a history of breathing problems, discuss with your doctor how Bisoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Hyperthyroidism: Bisprolol may mask the signs of Thyroid overactivity. If it is stopped suddenly, it may cause a worsening of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Do not stop the medication on your own. Instead, talk to your doctor about how to safely stop the medication by gradually reducing the dose over time..

Diabetes: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking bisoprolol. Bisoprolol may also decrease the release of insulin, reducing the effectiveness of certain medications for diabetes. If you have diabetes and take insulin or other medications that affect blood glucose levels, discuss with your doctor how Bisoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bisoprolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed. It may be necessary to monitor your blood glucose levels more often when you are taking Bisoprolol.

Heart failure: Taking Bisoprolol if you have heart problems may cause the symptoms of heart disease to worsen. If you have heart failure or a history of heart disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bisoprolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Bisoprolol to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Bisoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bisoprolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Bisoprolol to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Bisoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bisoprolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Bisoprolol.

Occupational hazards: Bisoprolol may cause drowsiness and lightheadedness. Avoid anything that requires you to be awake and alert until you know how the medication affects you.

Peripheral vascular disease: Bisoprolol may worsen the symptoms of diseases of the blood vessels, such as Raynaud's disease. If you have a condition involving the blood vessels, discuss with your doctor how Bisoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bisoprolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stopping medication: The dose of bisoprolol should be gradually reduced, rather than stopped suddenly. There have been reports of severe worsening of Angina and of Heart Attack or abnormal heart rhythms occurring for people with angina pectoris who have stopped Bisoprolol without gradually reducing the dose. Discuss the risks and benefits of stopping bisoprolol with your doctor.

Surgery: Before surgery (including dental surgery), tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking bisoprolol. If it is planned surgery and it is necessary to stop taking bisoprolol before the surgery, it should be done gradually to reduce the risk of chest pain and increased blood pressure.

Pregnancy: Bisoprolol should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Bisoprolol, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if bisoprolol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Bisoprolol, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. It is not advisable to stop using this product suddenly, particularly if you have been on it for several weeks. If you are considering stopping the medication, talk to your pharmacist first. It must be used regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Be sure to keep an adequate supply on hand. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food.