Combination drug: Ziac
Bisoprolol is a beta-blocker drug used to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an 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: 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 |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
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.
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
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.
References
1. Rosa RM, Silva P, Young JB, et al. Adrenergic modulation of extrarenal potassium disposal. N Engl J Med 1980;302:431–4.
2. Lundborg P. The effect of adrenergic blockade on potassium concentrations in different conditions. Acta Med Scand Suppl 1983;672:121–6 [review].
3. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.
4. Leopold G, Pabst J, Ungethum W, Buhring KU. Basic pharmacokinetics of bisoprolol, a new highly beta 1-selective adrenoceptor antagonist. J Clin Pharmacol 1986;26:616–21.
5. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1993, 158o.
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2006-09-07
