Bisoprolol
| Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference | |
| Trade names | Zebeta |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Antihypertensive, heart failure agent |
| Pharmacologic class | Selective beta-1 blocker |
| Onset / peak / duration | Onset 1 to 2 hours; duration 24 hours. |
| Half-life / level | Half-life 9 to 12 hours; no routine level. |
| Routes | PO (oral) |
| High-alert (ISMP) | No |
| Black box warning | None |
| Antidote / reversal | Atropine, glucagon for refractory overdose. |
| Pregnancy / lactation | Use only if clearly needed. |
Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.
Bisoprolol (brand name Zebeta) — Antihypertensive, heart failure agent; Selective beta-1 blocker.
Identification
- Therapeutic class: Antihypertensive, heart failure agent.
- Pharmacologic class: Selective beta-1 blocker.
Pharmacology
- Mechanism of action: Highly selective beta-1 blockade.
- Onset / peak / duration: Onset 1 to 2 hours; duration 24 hours.
- Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life 9 to 12 hours; no routine level.
Clinical use
- Indications: Hypertension, heart failure.
- Usual dose, route, frequency: 2.5 to 10 mg PO once daily.
- Maximum dose / adjustments: Max 20 mg/day; reduce in renal or hepatic impairment.
Safety
- Contraindications: Severe bradycardia, heart block, decompensated heart failure.
- Black box warning: No formal box; warning against abrupt discontinuation.
- Interactions: Calcium channel blockers, other antihypertensives, insulin.
- Pregnancy / lactation: Use only if clearly needed.
- High-alert: No.
Adverse effects
- Common side effects: Fatigue, bradycardia, dizziness.
- Serious effects to report: Symptomatic bradycardia, heart block.
- Antidote / reversal: Atropine, glucagon for refractory overdose.
Nursing process
- Assessment before administration: Heart rate, blood pressure.
- Interventions during therapy: Hold for low heart rate; taper to stop.
- Monitor: Heart rate, blood pressure.
- Evaluation / expected outcome: Blood pressure control; improved heart failure.
Patient teaching
- Patient teaching: Daily pulse check; do not stop abruptly.
- Notify provider if: Very slow heartbeat, fainting.
- Administration tips: Consistent daily timing.