What is Zebeta?
Zebeta (bisoprolol) is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins). Zebeta is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Zebeta may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Health Benefits
Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
Zebeta is a beta-blocker that works by slowing down the heart and decreasing the amount of blood it pumps out. This makes it easier for the heart to pump and reduces your blood pressure.
Side Effects
Fatigue, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, and nausea are the most common side effects of Zebeta. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor.
Rarely, patients taking Zebeta may experience shortness of breath, wheezing, or a change in heart rhythm. These symptoms require immediate medical attention as they could be signs of a serious heart condition.
Zebeta may also cause blurred vision or make it difficult to urinate. These side effects should go away as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or worsen, notify your doctor.
Serious side effects are rare with Zebeta but seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Zebeta should not be used in children younger than 18 years old.
Zebeta is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Dosage
Zebeta is available in tablets of 5 mg and 10 mg. The usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase your dose to 10 mg once daily if needed.
Zebeta should be taken with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
To ensure the best results, take Zebeta regularly and at the same time each day as directed by your doctor.
Do not skip doses or stop taking Zebeta without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly could make your condition worse.
If you miss a dose of Zebeta, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Interactions
Using Zebeta with certain other drugs could cause serious or life-threatening side effects. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
digoxin (Lanoxin);
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
clonidine (Catapres); or
an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).
Mechanism of Action
Zebeta is a beta-1 selective adrenergic receptor blocker. It works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body, such as epinephrine, on your heart and blood vessels. This effect lowers your heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on your heart.
Pharmacokinetics
Zebeta is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 2 to 3 hours.
The mean elimination half-life of Zebeta is about 10 hours. Zebeta is eliminated primarily by metabolism and only a small amount is excreted unchanged in the urine.
Alternatives to Zebeta
Other drugs that have the same effect as Zebeta include atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), and propranolol (Inderal). These medications are also beta-blockers.
Your doctor may prescribe a different medication depending on your specific medical condition and needs.
How long does it take to work?
Zebeta begins working within 1 to 2 hours after it is taken.
