Bisoprolol fumarate brands and prices in Pakistan

About Bisoprolol fumarate

Bisoprolol is a beta blocker. It slows the heartbeat and helps the heart pump blood more easily, which also lowers blood pressure. It is a prescription medicine that comes as tablets. It is usually a long-term treatment, and it controls their condition rather than curing it.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you are allergic to bisoprolol, another beta blocker or any of the other ingredients.
• Do not take it if you have severe asthma or severe breathing problems.
• Do not take it if you have a very slow heartbeat, certain heart rhythm problems, low blood pressure, or shock caused by a heart problem.
• Do not take it if you have severe circulation problems in the hands, feet or legs (such as Raynaud's), metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the blood) or an untreated adrenal gland tumour (phaeochromocytoma).
• Tell your doctor if you have milder asthma or another lung disease, diabetes, kidney or liver problems, poor blood flow in the legs, psoriasis, or a thyroid problem.
• Diabetes: bisoprolol can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar, such as a fast heartbeat. Learn the other signs of low blood sugar so you can spot it.
• Tell your doctor if you are going to have an operation, anaesthetic or dental surgery, or allergy desensitisation treatment.
• Allergic reactions may be stronger while you take it, and may not respond as well to the usual emergency adrenaline treatment.
• Pregnancy: advice differs between sources. NHS and the UK pregnancy medicines service (UKTIS) say it can be used in pregnancy if a doctor recommends it, with extra scans to check the baby's growth. The UK and Irish medicine leaflets are more cautious. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, and do not stop taking it on your own.
• Breastfeeding: NHS says it may cause side effects in the baby, so your doctor may suggest a different beta blocker, while the medicine leaflets say breastfeeding is not recommended. Ask your doctor.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Some heart rhythm medicines, such as flecainide, propafenone, quinidine, disopyramide and amiodarone
• Verapamil and diltiazem (heart and blood pressure medicines) should not be combined with it without specialist advice
• Some blood pressure medicines, such as clonidine, methyldopa and moxonidine. Do not stop these without talking to your doctor first
• Other medicines that lower blood pressure, including amlodipine and felodipine
• Insulin and diabetes tablets, as low blood sugar may be more likely and harder to notice
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and diclofenac
• Beta blocker eye drops for glaucoma, such as timolol
• Some antidepressants (such as amitriptyline and moclobemide), some epilepsy medicines and some antipsychotics
• Digoxin (digitalis) and mefloquine (a malaria medicine)
• Anaesthetics
• Decongestant medicines for a blocked nose
• Alcohol can make low blood pressure and dizziness more likely

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush or chew it. You can take it with or without food.
• Keep taking it even if you feel well. Do not stop suddenly, as your condition could get much worse. If it needs to be stopped, your doctor will lower the dose slowly.
• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless the next one is nearly due. Never take two doses together to make up for a missed one.
• Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse, and will check your blood pressure at your appointments. Tell them if your pulse is slower or faster than expected.
• Take extra care with driving, cycling or using machines when you first start, when the dose changes, or if you drink alcohol. Do not drive if you feel dizzy or have blurred vision.
• Strict fasting is not recommended, as it can affect blood sugar.
• Tell every doctor, dentist and pharmacist you see that you take bisoprolol, and keep a list of all your medicines and supplements.
• Store tablets in their original pack, out of the reach of children, and never share them.

Common questions

Can I drink alcohol while taking bisoprolol?
It is best to avoid or limit alcohol. It can make your blood pressure drop too low, which can leave you dizzy or tired.

Why do I feel tired or have cold hands?
These are common side effects, often when you first start or when the dose goes up, and they often get better with time. If they bother you or do not go away, talk to your pharmacist or doctor, but keep taking the tablets unless you are told to stop.

Can I stop taking it once my blood pressure is normal?
No, not on your own. Bisoprolol controls blood pressure and heart conditions but does not cure them. Stopping suddenly can make your condition much worse. If it needs to be stopped, your doctor will reduce it slowly.

I have diabetes. Is bisoprolol safe for me?
Tell your doctor first. NHS says it may not be suitable for everyone with diabetes. Bisoprolol can hide some signs of low blood sugar, such as a racing heart, and some diabetes medicines can make low blood sugar more likely when taken with it.

Can I take it if I have asthma?
People with severe asthma should not take it. If you have milder asthma or another lung disease, your doctor will decide if it is suitable. Tell them straight away if you get new wheezing, coughing or breathing problems.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.