Bystolic (Nebivolol)

Description

Bystolic is “beta blocker” used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It is available only by physician prescription. Bystolic is approved for use only in adults over the age of 18.

Drug Information

The active ingredient in Bystolic, nebivolol, belongs to a group of drugs called “beta blockers” that affects the pressure at which blood is circulated from the heart through arteries and veins. Nebivolol can block neurotransmitters like epinephrine that regulate the heart and blood vessels, thus reducing blood pressure, heart rate and the strain on the heart. Reducing the abnormally high blood pressure levels in patients with hypertension reduces the risk for strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

Bystolic can be used to treat conditions other than hypertension, such as left ventricular failure. Bystolic can also be used to treat angina (chest pain) and reduce the risk of heart failure.

Dosage

Dosage may vary as per physician recommendation and the severity of the condition. Bystolic is administered orally, either with or without food, as food doesn’t affect how the body absorbs the medicine.

Bystolic is commonly prescribed to be taken once or twice per day. It’s recommended to take Bystolic at the same time each day. It might take couple of weeks for the effects of the drug to show.

Warnings and Precautions

 Bystolic is not approved for use in children and adolescents under the age of 18 as the drug’s efficacy for this group is not established by research.

 Bystolic is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding patients without prior approval from a doctor.

 Bystolic is not approved for patients with slow or irregular heartbeats, or have suffered from heart failure and is taking medications to normalize blood circulation, or has a severely damaged liver.

 Do not take Bystolic if allergic to nebivolol or any other ingredient of the drug.

 Bystolic may not be suitable for patients with one or more of these conditions: peripheral vascular disease, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, diabetes, thyroid problems, kidney problems, liver problems, pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor), acute angina and myocardial infarction.

 Patients who are scheduled for surgery under anesthesia should not take Bystolic.

 Bystolic could react negatively with the following medications: other beta blockers, CYP2D6 inhibitors (such as quinidine and propafenone), certain antidepressant drugs (like fluoxetine and paroxetine), antiarrhythmic agents (like disopyramide), calcium channel blockers (like verapamil and diltiazem).

 Always disclose all other medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, etc, to the physician prescribing Bystolic to avoid negative drug interactions and potentially life-threatening conditions.

Side Effects

Bystolic and nebivolol can possibly cause one or more of the following side effects:

 Headaches
 Dizziness or jaundice
 Feeling sleepy or tired
 Fatigue
 Diarrhea
 Insomnia
 Nausea
 Chest pain
 Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
 Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
 Skin rashes
 Peripheral edema (swelling in the leg due to fluid accumulation)
 Weight gain
 Trouble breathing
 Masking symptoms of conditions such as hyperthyroidism and low blood sugar
Side effects other than mentioned above could occur.

Immediately consult a physician if side effects continue to persist or worsen over time.