Drug Name

Zebeta (Bisoprolol)

Drug Uses

Zebeta is used for treating patients with high blood pressure. It may be used alone or together with other medications.

How Taken

The usual dose of zebeta is 5 mg or 10 mg once daily although doses up to 20 mg daily have been prescribed. Some patients, for example, those with marked kidney, liver or lung diseases, may be given 2.5 mg daily. Zebeta can be taken with or without food.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Zebeta blocks the action of the sympathetic nervous system on the heart by blocking the heart 's beta-adrenergic receptors. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents such as zebeta reduce the heart rate and are useful in treating abnormally rapid heart rhythms. Zebeta also reduces the force of contraction of the heart and lowers blood pressure. By reducing the heart rate and the force of muscle contraction, beta-adrenergic blocking agents reduce the heart's need for oxygen. Since angina (heart pain) occurs when oxygen need exceeds supply, beta-adrenergic blocking agents are useful in treating angina.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it if you remember the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Zebeta should be stored at room temperature, 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) in an air-tight container.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not stop taking this medicine before checking with your doctor. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this drug is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. For patients with diabetes mellitus: this medicine may mask signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heart rate.

Possible Side Effects

Zebeta is generally well-tolerated, and side effects are mild and transient. Rare side effects include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea, impotence, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, numbness, tingling, cold extremities, sore throat, and shortness of breath or wheezing. Zebeta can aggravate breathing difficulties in patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. In patients with existing slow heart rates (bradycardias) and heart blocks (defects in electrical conduction within the heart), zebeta can cause dangerously slow heart rates and even shock. Zebeta reduces the force of contraction of heart muscle and can aggravate symptoms of heart failure. In patients with coronary artery disease, abruptly stopping zebeta can suddenly worsen angina, and occasionally precipitate heart attacks. If it is necessary to discontinue zebeta, its dosage can be reduced gradually over one to two weeks. Zebeta can mask the early warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment for diabetes.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.