Bisoprolol

Also indexed as: Cardicor, Emcor, Monocor, Zebeta

Combination drugs: Monozide, Ziac

Illustration
Top

Bisoprolol is a beta-blocker drug used to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.

Top

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

Avoid Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.

High-potassium foods*

Pleurisy root

Potassium supplements*

Depletion or interference

None known

Side effect reduction/prevention

None known

Supportive interaction

None known

Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability

None known

Top

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Top

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Potassium
Some beta-adrenergic blockers (called “nonselective” beta blockers) decrease the uptake of potassium from the blood into the cells,1 leading to excess potassium in the blood, a potentially dangerous condition known as hyperkalemia.2 People taking beta-blockers should therefore avoid taking potassium supplements, or eating large quantities of fruit (e.g., bananas), unless directed to do so by their doctor.

Top

Interactions with Herbs

Pleurisy root
As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius species contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as bisoprolol.3

Top

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Bisoprolol may be taken with or without food.4

Alcohol
Bisoprolol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision.5 Alcohol may intensify these effects and increase the risk of accidental injury. To prevent problems, people taking bisoprolol should avoid alcohol.

Top
References
(To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)