-
Description
-
Reviews (0)
-
Related Products
-
Related Conditions
Fact Table
| Fact Table | |
|---|---|
| Formula | C18H31NO4 |
| License | FDA approved (Initial U.S. approval: 1992) |
| Bioavailability | About 80% after a 10 mg oral dose |
| Legal status | Prescription only (Rx) |
| Chemical Name | 1-{4-[(2-isopropoxyethoxy)methyl]phenoxy}-3-(isopropylamino)propan-2-ol |
| Elimination half-life | 9–12 hours |
| Dosage (Strength) | 5 mg and 10 mg oral tablets; usual starting dose 5 mg once daily, with 2.5 mg as an appropriate starting dose in some patients; may be increased to 10 mg and then 20 mg once daily if needed |
| Pregnancy | Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus |
| Brands | Zebeta |
| Protein binding | Approximately 30% |
| PubChem CID | 2405 |
| MedlinePlus | a693024 |
| ChEBI | 3127 |
| ATC code | C07AB07 |
| DrugBank | DB00612 |
| KEGG | D02342 |
| Routes of administration | By mouth (oral tablets) |
Zebeta (bisoprolol fumarate) is a beta-blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure. It works by slowing down the heart rate and reducing the force of heart contractions, which lowers blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. Bisoprolol is classified as a cardioselective beta-blocker, meaning it specifically targets beta-1 receptors in the heart.
Directions
Zebeta is taken once daily, with or without food. The typical starting dose for high blood pressure is 5 mg, though some patients may start with 2.5 mg if needed. The dosage may be gradually increased to a maximum of 20 mg per day.
It's important to take the medication at the same time each day to keep levels steady in the body. Do not stop taking bisoprolol suddenly, as this can worsen chest pain or cause heart problems.
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it's close to the next scheduled dose, in which case skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Zebeta is bisoprolol fumarate.
Cautions
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
- Any existing health conditions
- Any allergies
- A list of all medications currently being taken
Heart failure may worsen in some people. Zebeta can reduce the heart’s pumping strength, which may worsen heart failure in certain patients. Contact a healthcare provider if you notice symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, or unusual fatigue.
Do not stop the medication suddenly. Stopping Zebeta abruptly may worsen chest pain (angina) or trigger serious heart problems, including heart attack or abnormal heart rhythms. A healthcare provider will usually lower the dose gradually if treatment needs to be stopped.
Circulation problems may worsen. Zebeta may aggravate symptoms of peripheral vascular disease, which can cause poor circulation, cold hands or feet, or leg pain during walking.
Use caution if you have asthma or breathing problems. Beta-blockers can sometimes worsen bronchospasm or breathing difficulties.
Blood sugar warning for people with diabetes. Zebeta may mask symptoms of low blood sugar, such as a fast heartbeat, making hypoglycemia harder to recognize.
Symptoms of thyroid disease may be hidden. The medication can mask signs of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heart rate.
Tell your healthcare provider before surgery. Zebeta may affect how your heart responds during anesthesia or major surgery.
Certain medications may interact. Other heart medications, some blood pressure drugs, and certain antiarrhythmics may interact with Zebeta and affect heart rate or blood pressure.
Contraindications
Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:
- Cardiogenic shock
- Overt cardiac failure
- Second or third degree AV block (without a functioning pacemaker)
- Marked sinus bradycardia (very slow heart rate)
- Hypersensitivity to bisoprolol or any component of the medication
Side Effects
Common side effects of Zebeta include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Diarrhea
These side effects are usually mild and may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Some people may also notice nausea, cough, sinus symptoms, or trouble sleeping. Cold hands or feet and mild swelling in the legs or ankles can also occur in some people.
More serious side effects are less common but possible. Zebeta can slow the heart rate too much (bradycardia) or cause low blood pressure, which may lead to dizziness or fainting. In rare cases, it may worsen breathing problems, trigger allergic reactions, or cause heart rhythm changes. Contact a healthcare provider if you experience severe dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zebeta (Bisoprolol)
What is Zebeta (bisoprolol) used for?
Zebeta is a beta-blocker mainly used to treat high blood pressure. Bisoprolol is also used in some places for other heart conditions, but the original Zebeta labeling is for hypertension.
How does Zebeta work?
Bisoprolol slows the heart rate and reduces how hard the heart has to work by blocking beta-1 receptors in the heart. This helps lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system.
How is Zebeta usually taken?
It is taken by mouth once daily. The usual starting dose for hypertension is often 5 mg once a day, with adjustment based on response, and the common tablet strengths are 5 mg and 10 mg.
Should Zebeta be taken with food?
Bisoprolol can generally be taken with or without food, but it should be taken the same way each day for consistency. Taking it at the same time daily can help people remember their dose.
What are the common side effects of Zebeta?
Common side effects include tiredness, dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea, diarrhea, and cold hands or feet. These effects are often more noticeable when starting treatment or after a dose increase.
Can Zebeta make the heart rate too slow?
Yes. Because bisoprolol slows the heart, it can sometimes cause bradycardia, which means a heart rate that is too slow. This is one reason dose adjustments and monitoring may be needed.
Are there important warnings with Zebeta?
Bisoprolol should not be stopped suddenly. Abrupt withdrawal of beta-blockers can worsen chest pain and has been associated with heart-related complications, so it is usually tapered gradually if it needs to be discontinued.
Who should use Zebeta carefully?
People with asthma or breathing problems, certain heart conduction problems, very slow heart rate, low blood pressure, diabetes, or circulation problems should use bisoprolol carefully. Beta-blockers can also make some signs of low blood sugar harder to notice.
What should someone do if they miss a dose?
If a dose is missed, it is usually taken when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Two doses should not be taken together.
What serious side effects need urgent attention?
Urgent medical attention is needed for fainting, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, swelling, chest pain, or signs of worsening heart failure such as unusual shortness of breath or swelling in the legs. Wheezing or chest tightness can also be important warning signs.
