Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Slower than normal heart beat (bradycardia)

Depression

Inability of a man to have an erection (impotence)

Fatigue

Sweating

Nightmares

Skin rashes

Blockade of the electrical pathways which control the pumping action of the heart (heart block)

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Dizziness

Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (oedema)

Breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)

Dry eyes

Muscle and joint pains

Disturbances of the gut such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain

Cold extremities, eg hands and feet

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

When bisoprolol is taken with other medicines that decrease blood pressure there may be a risk of a large drop in blood pressure, particularly with the first dose. Alcohol may enhance the blood pressure lowering effect of this medicine, which may result in dizziness or fainting. In people with diabetes, bisoprolol can prolong the lowering of blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) caused by insulin or other antidiabetic medicines. Individuals should monitor their blood sugar, as bisoprolol can also mask the signs of hypoglycaemia. When taken with digoxin or diltiazem there may be an increased risk of slow heart rate. When taken with verapamil the risk of slow heart rate and heart block may be increased. When taken with nifedepine and possibly other calcium channel blockers, the risk of a large fall in blood pressure and heart failure may be increased. The increase in blood pressure that occurs when clonidine is withdrawn may be worsened if bisoprolol is being taken with clonidine. The bisoprolol should be stopped several days before slowly withdrawing the clonidine. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indometacin may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of bisoprolol. Care should be taken when adrenaline is given with bisoprolol as this combination may cause severe high blood pressure and slow heart rate. When taken with anti-arrhythmic medicines such as amiodarone or disopyramide, there may be an increased risk of slow heart rate or other adverse effects on the heart. Rifampicin increases the removal of this medicine from the body, which may result in decreased blood levels of bisoprolol.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredients

Bipranix

Monocor

Soloc

<<Go To Page 1

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved