Generic name: nebivolol (ne BIV oh lol)
Brand name: Bystolic
Dosage forms: oral tablet (10 mg; 2.5 mg; 20 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Cardioselective beta blockers
Nebivolol is a beta-blocker that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Nebivolol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Do not skip doses or stop taking nebivolol without first talking to your doctor.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take nebivolol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- a serious heart condition such as heart failure, "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree), or sick sinus syndrome (unless you have a pacemaker);
- very slow heartbeats;
- severe liver disease; or
- if your heart cannot pump blood properly.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;
- a heart attack;
- problems with circulation (especially in your feet and legs);
- diabetes (taking nebivolol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar);
- a thyroid disorder;
- liver or kidney disease;
- allergies; or
- pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether nebivolol will harm an unborn baby. However, having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications such as diabetes or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of treating hypertension may outweigh any risks to the baby.
You should not breastfeed while using nebivolol.
How should I take nebivolol?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take nebivolol with or without food.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using nebivolol.
You should not skip doses or stop using nebivolol suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse or cause serious heart problems, including heart attack. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Keep using nebivolol as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include slow heart rate, dizziness, vomiting, trouble breathing, or feeling like you might pass out.
What should I avoid while taking nebivolol?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how nebivolol will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Nebivolol side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- rapid weight gain;
- shortness of breath;
- slow or uneven heartbeats; or
- numbness or cold feeling in your hands and feet.
Common side effects may include:
- dizziness;
- swelling in your legs;
- slow heartbeats;
- tiredness; or
- headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Nebivolol dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Dose adjustment: Titrate dose at 2-week intervals up to 40 mg once a day as needed.
Maximum dose: 40 mg per day
Comments:
-Titrating doses more frequently than every 2 weeks is unlikely to be beneficial.
-The dose should be individualized to patient requirements.
Use: For the management of hypertension, alone or with another antihypertensive agent.
What other drugs will affect nebivolol?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Many drugs can affect nebivolol. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.