Probase Tablets 5mg Tablets

Bisoprolol is a beta blocker. It slows the heart rate and makes the heart beat with less force, which lowers blood pressure and eases the work of the heart.

It is used to treat:

• high blood pressure
• chest pain caused by heart disease (angina)
• heart failure, together with other medicines

It controls these conditions but does not cure them, so it is usually taken long term.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day in the morning.

• Swallow tablets whole with water; do not chew them.
• Take it at the same time every day. You can eat normally, but avoid fasting.
• Your doctor may start with a low dose and raise it slowly.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless your next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• Do not stop suddenly. Your doctor will lower the dose gradually if you need to stop.

Common side effects, often when starting or increasing the dose:

• headache, tiredness or weakness
• cold, numb or tingling hands and feet
• dizziness from low blood pressure
• feeling or being sick, diarrhoea or constipation

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• wheezing or trouble breathing
• a very slow or irregular heartbeat, or worse breathlessness or ankle swelling
• yellow skin or eyes, dark pee or tummy pain
• swelling of the face, tongue or throat, or an itchy rash (call emergency services)

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had a reaction to bisoprolol or another beta blocker
• have asthma or other breathing problems
• have low blood pressure, a slow heartbeat or poor circulation in the legs
• have diabetes or an overactive thyroid
• have kidney or liver disease
• are having surgery or dental treatment
• take other heart or blood pressure medicines, glaucoma eye drops, ibuprofen, some antidepressants, or nasal decongestants

Keep it in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Diabetes: it may raise the risk of low blood sugar and hide its warning signs. Tell your doctor if you cannot eat normally or are being sick.

Alcohol: drinking alcohol may lower your blood pressure further and make you dizzy.

Driving: do not drive or use machines if you feel dizzy or tired.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: it can be used in pregnancy with extra checks. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, as another beta blocker may be preferred.