Bisoprolol (Efficacy)

Bisoprolol is a drug acting as a blocker of cardioselective β1 receptors. It belongs to the group of drugs known as β-blockers. It is prescribed for the treatment of heart disease, alone or in combination with other medications.

The cardiovascular diseases for which bisoprolol is prescribed are the following: arterial hypertension, coronary diseases, heart rhythm disorders, ischemic heart disease and it is also prescribed after an acute myocardial infarction. Its action is prolonged and therefore a single daily intake can be prescribed.

Bisoprolol can also be prescribed for asthmatic patients, but due to its low effect on the β2 receptors of the lung, patients must undergo a high medical control.

In addition, bisoprolol may have other indications such as anxiety and hyperthyroidism.

ACTION MECHANISM

Bisoprolol acts by highly selective blocking of adrenergic β1 receptors, it is a very potent blocker. It has no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity and has no membrane stabilizing effect.

PRECAUTIONS

When prescribing bisoprolol, caution should be exercised in patients suffering: bronchospasm (bronchial asthma, obstructive respiratory diseases), diabetes mellitus (may mask symptoms of hypoglycaemia), prolonged fasting, atrioventricular blockade of 1 st degree, Prinzmetal's angina, peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

Precautions in the concomitant use with general anesthesia.

Precautions should be taken when prescribing bisoprolol in patients with psoriasis or with a history of psoriasis. Special caution if prescribed concomitantly with anesthetics taken by inhalation.

Treatment with bisoprolol may mask the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. In pheochromocytoma patients, α-blocker treatment must be previously established.

If treatment is interrupted, it is recommended to gradually reduce the dose.

The combination of bisoprolol with verapamil or diltiazem, neither with Class I antiarrhythmics nor with centrally acting antihypertensives is not recommended.

It is not recommended to prescribe bisoprolol in children.

SIDE EFFECTS

Bradycardia, worsening heart failure, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation; feeling cold or numbness in the extremities, hypotension; tiredness, exhaustion, fatigue.

The ability to drive or use machinery can be affected. This must be taken into account especially at the beginning of treatment, in medication changes, as well as in association with alcohol.

BRAND NAMES

• Zebeta®
• Emconcor®
• Euradal®