Bisoprolol (Zebeta)
Bisoprolol Uses
This medication is used to treat high blood pressure. Bisoprolol is a beta blocker, meaning it blocks certain natural substances in the body from acting on the heart, lowering heart rate and relaxing blood vessels to lower blood pressure. Bisoprolol fumarate is the full generic name for the medication. The brand name for bisoprolol is Zebeta.
This medication is also offered in combination with other medications to help you best manage your blood pressure. A common combination is bisoprolol-hydrochlorothiazide. This combines the beta blocker bisoprolol with the diuretic, (“water pill”) helping to manage your blood pressure by both relaxing your heart rate and increasing urine production to remove excess salt that can cause hypertension. The brand name for this combination medication is Ziac.
Dose
Bisoprolol is not available over the counter and is a prescription only medication. Your healthcare provider will most likely start you on bisoprolol 5 mg per day. This may increase based on your condition and responsiveness to treatment. The maximum dose for bisoprolol is 20 mg per day.
This medication can be taken with or without food at any time of day.
This medication is not advised to be taken while pregnant as it could cause fetal harm. If you are taking bisoprolol and are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, speak to your healthcare provider to discuss best care options.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur in more than 1 in 100 people and are usually only mild, lasting just a few days. If any of these symptoms persist, speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
- Tiredness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Runny nose
Serious Side Effects
These side effects, although rare, can indicate a serious health complication and require immediate medical attention:
- Shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, and unexplained weight gain on bisoprolol can be a sign of heart failure and should be treated immediately
- Blue fingers and toes can indicate poor circulation
- Fainting
- Mood changes
Interactions
There are many medications with recorded interactions with bisoprolol such as:
- Other blood pressure medications
- Medications that impact potassium
- Medications that treat diabetes
- Medications that treat heart failure
Before you start this medication, speak to your healthcare provider about your current medications. While taking carvedilol, be sure to notify your healthcare provider if there is a change to any of your current medications or begin a new medication.
Bisoprolol and Alcohol
Both bisoprolol and alcohol temporarily lower blood pressure. Therefore, when they are combined you have a higher chance of dizziness, headaches, and lightheadedness. Heavy drinking is also known to raise your blood pressure. If you decide to drink, make sure to stay within the limit of 1 drink/day for women and 2 drinks/day for men.
If you are taking bisoprolol with hctz, make sure you hydrate when you drink, as alcohol and hydrochlorothiazide are both diuretics and increase urine production which can lead to dehydration.
Cost
Currently, bisoprolol 5 mg price is an average of $36.81/month. If you take the combination medication, bisoprolol-hctz, this jumps up to an average of $49.90/month.
Get Bisoprolol/HCTZ For Less at Marley Drug
Marley Drug offers generic Ziac (bisoprolol/hctz) for as low as $20.53/month cash price when ordered in a 12-month supply. Order more and save with free shipping on 6 and 12-month supplies to all 50 states.
Contact us at 1 800-810-7790 to learn how you can start saving time and money on your prescriptions today.