Sign inBefore taking bisoprolol
Before taking bisoprolol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have low blood pressure or poor circulation.
- If you suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties.
- If you have diabetes.
- If you have psoriasis.
- If you suffer from severe allergic reactions.
- If you have heart block (a slow and irregular heart beat).
- If you suffer from myasthenia gravis, Prinzmetal's angina or phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands).
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
- If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
How to take bisoprolol
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take bisoprolol exactly as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken just once each day.
- Try to take bisoprolol at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, just take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Do not stop taking bisoprolol without speaking to your doctor first as this can cause problems.
- Keep your regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored.
- It is important to follow any dietary advice that you may have been given by your doctor.
- If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood glucose levels more regularly as bisoprolol can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.
- Before buying any medicines (including cough, cold and flu remedies), check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside bisoprolol.
- Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking bisoprolol.
Can bisoprolol cause problems
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Dizziness, drowsiness, light-headedness or fainting (especially when getting up from a sitting or lying down position) | Getting up slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing. If this continues, speak with your doctor as soon as possible |
| Feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast and drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues speak with your doctor |
| Tiredness, coldness of the extremities (fingers, toes, and nose), disturbed sleep, or nightmares | Speak with your doctor if you suffer from these effects |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store bisoprolol
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).