Bystolic (Nebivolol)

What is Bystolic?

Bystolic (nebivolol) belongs to a family of drugs known as beta-blockers. It is a beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent.

What is Bystolic used for?

Bystolic is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension. It is also used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, kidney problems and decreased sexual ability.

How does Bystolic work?

Bystolic works by preventing a particular natural substance made by the body, called adrenaline, from acting on the heart and blood vessels.  This reduces high blood pressure, heart rate, and lowers strain on the heart.

How to use Bystolic

Bystolic should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

Bystolic is usually taken once daily. It can be taken with or without food. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis while using Bystolic.

Bystolic warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to nebivolol or if you are suffering from a severe liver disease or certain heart problems such as heart block, heart failure, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heartbeats. 

Prior to taking Bystolic, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, diabetes, thyroid disorder, circulation problems such as Raynaud's syndrome, pheochromocytoma, or if you have had a heart attack recently.

While using Bystolic, avoid performing activities that require alertness, for example driving. If you need to undergo any type of surgery, tell your surgeon in advance about the use of this medicine. You may need to stop taking the medicine temporarily.

Pregnant women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance. Also intimate your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Lactating women should not use this d

What do I do if I have missed a Bystolic dose?

If you have missed your Bystolic dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Bystolic overdose?

If you have taken a Bystolic overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Bystolic interactions

Before taking Bystolic, consult your doctor if you take clonidine (Catapres), digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin), guanethidine (Ismelin), medicines for heart such as reserpine (Serpasil), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia), verapamil (Verelan, Calan, Isoptin); heart rhythm medication such as disopyramide (Norpace), propafenone (Rythmol), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), quinidine (Quinidex, Quin-Release Quin-G), procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl); antidepressants such as paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac); other beta-blockers such as bisoprolol (Zebeta), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), or propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran).

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Also, do not start taking any new medication without telling your doctor.

Bystolic side effects

Bystolic side effects include hives, feeling short of breath, slow or uneven heartbeats, breathing difficulty, numbness or cold feeling in hands and feet; swelling of feet, ankles, face, tongue, lips or throat, and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Bystolic, contact your doctor right away.

Headache, fatigue, nausea, stomach ache, diarrhea and insomnia are some less serious side effects of Bystolic.