Bisoprolol for high blood pressure
Bisoprolol is an active ingredient from the group of beta blockers that is used to treat high blood pressure and angina pectoris . The most common side effects of bisoprolol include headache, dizziness, and fatigue. If the active ingredient is suddenly discontinued, more severe side effects can also occur. We provide you with comprehensive information about side effects, contraindications, interactions and the dosage of bisoprolol.
Beta blockers bisoprolol
The active ingredient bisoprolol belongs to the group of beta-blockers (beta-receptor blockers). It is used to treat essential high blood pressure and stable angina pectoris. In addition, bisoprolol can be used together with other drugs in chronic heart failure .
Active substances from the group of beta blockers occupy the beta receptors in the heart. As a result, the hormone adrenaline can no longer dock at these receptors. In the body, adrenaline ensures, among other things, that cardiac output and blood pressure rise.
Taking beta-blockers such as bisoprolol makes the heart beat slower and less powerful, and blood pressure drops. In addition, the heart uses less energy and oxygen, which reduces typical angina pectoris symptoms such as breathing difficulties and pain in the heart area.
Bisoprolol side effects
Just like with other active ingredients, side effects can also occur when taking bisoprolol. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, sensory disturbances, tiredness and exhaustion often occur.
Occasionally, the following side effects may also occur while taking the beta-blocker:
- Confusion, mood swings, depression and trouble sleeping
- circulatory disorders
- muscle weakness and joint disease
- Rashes and skin itching
- slow heartbeat, abnormal heart function and drop in blood pressure when getting up from a sitting or lying position
- Gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea , constipation and abdominal pain
Rarely, after taking bisoprolol, there are also side effects such as reduced tear flow, an increase in blood lipids, breathing disorders, sweating, sexual dysfunction and weight gain.
Dosing of bisoprolol
How exactly bisoprolol is dosed must be determined individually by the attending physician. Therefore, please understand the following information on dosage as general guidelines only. In general, when taking it, start with a low dose, which can then be gradually increased if necessary.
If bisoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure or angina pectoris, a dose of five milligrams per day is usually started. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 10 milligrams per day. In exceptional cases, a further increase in the dose is possible. If there is only slight high blood pressure, the administration of 2.5 milligrams of bisoprolol can already be sufficient.
If you have taken an overdose of bisoprolol , you should notify a doctor immediately. Depending on how high the dose was, serious side effects can occur. These include a sharp drop in blood pressure, a slow heartbeat, cardiac insufficiency and cardiogenic shock. In addition, impaired consciousness, breathing difficulties, nausea and seizures can occur.
Discontinue bisoprolol
The dosage of bisoprolol should not be changed, nor should the beta-blocker be discontinued, without consulting a doctor. Otherwise, the patient’s condition may deteriorate. If bisoprolol is to be discontinued, this is usually done by gradually reducing the dose. It usually takes between three and ten days before the active ingredient can be completely discontinued.
If bisoprolol is discontinued abruptly, dangerous side effects can occur. These include reduced blood flow to the heart muscle with renewed aggravation of angina pectoris, a heart attack and high blood pressure that quickly reappears.
