Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Using Bisoprolol? NHS Advises Patients To Watch For These Side Effects

bisoprolol side effects

The <span>NHS</span> has issued fresh advice for people taking a widely prescribed medicine used to manage heart and circulation conditions. Across the UK, millions rely on beta-blockers to treat heart and blood vessel problems. Each year, more than 50 million prescriptions are written for these drugs, which help manage issues ranging from high blood pressure and abnormal heart rate to certain conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. Doctors most commonly prescribe <span>bisoprolol</span>, which NHS England lists as the seventh most prescribed medicine in the country.

<h2>What Is <span rel="noindex">Bisoprolol Used For</span>?</h2>

Bisoprolol, sold under brand names such as Zebeta, Bisotab, and Concor, belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. It is mainly used to treat various heart-related conditions by slowing the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels. This reduces strain on the heart and helps it pump blood more efficiently, according to the CDC. The NHS also explains that bisoprolol is used to prevent chest pain caused by angina and to manage atrial fibrillation and other irregular heart rhythms. By slowing the heart, it allows the heart muscle to work more effectively.

Data from 2024–25 shows that bisoprolol was dispensed around 32 million times in England alone. The NHS notes that for people with high blood pressure, taking bisoprolol can help lower the risk of future heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Bisoprolol Side Effects</span>: Why Is NHS Warning Against Bisoprolol?</h2>

Like most medicines, bisoprolol can cause side effects, and patients are advised to stay alert to them. People starting the medication are often told to take their first dose at night, as it can make some feel dizzy. There are several common side effects that affect more than one in 100 people. According to the NHS, these are usually mild and tend to settle over time. They include:

<ul><li>feeling dizzy or sick</li><li>headaches</li><li>cold hands or feet</li><li>constipation</li><li>diarrhoea</li></ul>

However, there are less common but more serious side effects that should not be ignored, as they may require urgent medical attention. The NHS advises contacting a doctor or calling 111 if:

<ul><li>you experience shortness of breath with a cough that worsens during physical activity, swelling in the ankles or legs, or an irregular heartbeat, as these can point to heart problems</li><li>the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow, which may be harder to notice on darker skin tones, as this can signal liver issues</li></ul>

<h2><span rel="noindex">Bisoprolol Warning</span>: When Should You See Medical Emergency</h2>

The NHS also urges people to seek immediate help if certain symptoms appear. These include:

<ul><li>chest pain, which could indicate heart trouble</li><li>shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in the chest, which may suggest lung-related problems</li></ul>

Emergency services should be contacted straight away if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. The NHS says to call 999 immediately if:

<ul><li>your lips, mouth, throat, or tongue suddenly swell</li><li>you are breathing very fast or struggling to breathe, with wheezing or a choking sensation</li><li>your throat feels tight or you have difficulty swallowing</li><li>your skin, lips, or tongue turn blue, grey, or pale, which may be more visible on the palms or soles in people with darker skin</li><li>you suddenly feel very confused, extremely drowsy, or dizzy</li><li>someone collapses and cannot be woken</li><li>a child becomes limp, floppy, or unusually unresponsive, with difficulty holding their head up or focusing</li></ul>

The NHS stresses that while bisoprolol is effective and widely used, knowing when side effects are harmless and when they signal an emergency is key to staying safe.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

bisoprolol

foods to avoid when taking bisoprolol

is bisoprolol a beta blocker

bisoprolol fumarate

what are the bad side effects of bisoprolol

bisoprolol used for

bisoprolol bnf

Bisoprolol Warning

Norovirus 2025: How Contagious Is the Stomach Bug Spreading Across the US

James Van Der Beek: What Kind Of Cancer Has The Actor Been Diagnosed With?

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

The NHS has issued fresh advice for people taking a widely prescribed medicine used to manage heart and circulation conditions. Across the UK, millions rely on beta-blockers to treat heart and blood vessel problems. Each year, more than 50 million prescriptions are written for these drugs, which help manage issues ranging from high blood pressure and abnormal heart rate to certain conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. Doctors most commonly prescribe bisoprolol, which NHS England lists as the seventh most prescribed medicine in the country.What Is Bisoprolol Used For?Bisoprolol, sold under brand names such as Zebeta, Bisotab, and Concor, belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. It is mainly used to treat various heart-related conditions by slowing the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels. This reduces strain on the heart and helps it pump blood more efficiently, according to the CDC. The NHS also explains that bisoprolol is used to prevent chest pain caused by angina and to manage atrial fibrillation and other irregular heart rhythms. By slowing the heart, it allows the heart muscle to work more effectively.Data from 2024–25 shows that bisoprolol was dispensed around 32 million times in England alone. The NHS notes that for people with high blood pressure, taking bisoprolol can help lower the risk of future heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.Bisoprolol Side Effects: Why Is NHS Warning Against Bisoprolol?Like most medicines, bisoprolol can cause side effects, and patients are advised to stay alert to them. People starting the medication are often told to take their first dose at night, as it can make some feel dizzy. There are several common side effects that affect more than one in 100 people. According to the NHS, these are usually mild and tend to settle over time. They include:feeling dizzy or sickheadachescold hands or feetconstipationdiarrhoeaHowever, there are less common but more serious side effects that should not be ignored, as they may require urgent medical attention. The NHS advises contacting a doctor or calling 111 if:you experience shortness of breath with a cough that worsens during physical activity, swelling in the ankles or legs, or an irregular heartbeat, as these can point to heart problemsthe whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow, which may be harder to notice on darker skin tones, as this can signal liver issuesBisoprolol Warning: When Should You See Medical EmergencyThe NHS also urges people to seek immediate help if certain symptoms appear. These include:chest pain, which could indicate heart troubleshortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in the chest, which may suggest lung-related problemsEmergency services should be contacted straight away if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. The NHS says to call 999 immediately if:your lips, mouth, throat, or tongue suddenly swellyou are breathing very fast or struggling to breathe, with wheezing or a choking sensationyour throat feels tight or you have difficulty swallowingyour skin, lips, or tongue turn blue, grey, or pale, which may be more visible on the palms or soles in people with darker skinyou suddenly feel very confused, extremely drowsy, or dizzysomeone collapses and cannot be wokena child becomes limp, floppy, or unusually unresponsive, with difficulty holding their head up or focusingThe NHS stresses that while bisoprolol is effective and widely used, knowing when side effects are harmless and when they signal an emergency is key to staying safe.