Drug Title

Bystolic (Nebivolol)

Drug Uses

Bystolic is a beta-blocker that is used for treating high blood pressure. It may also be prescribed for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Mode of Application

Bystolic can be taken by mouth with or without food. The best way to use the drug is to take it according to a fixed schedule every day. You must continue to take Bystolic even if you feel better in a few days until your doctor asks you to stop taking it. The dosage for the drug needs to be lowered gradually before stopping it. Stopping the drug suddenly may lead to side effects like chest pain, irregular heartbeat.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Bystolic is a beta-blocker that works by slowing down the heart and reducing the amount of work that it does. The reduced blood flow out of the heart helps decrease blood pressure and helps the heart pump more efficiently.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Bystolic, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Precautions

You must not take Bystolic if you are allergic to any ingredient in it, have a history of any severe allergic reaction, have moderate to severe heart block, uncontrolled heart failure, shock caused by serious heart problems, very slow heartbeat, or very low blood pressure after a heart attack, have asthma or Raynaud syndrome, have severe liver problems, are taking mibefradil.

Patients who take medication for blood pressure are known to feel run down or tired in the first few weeks of starting the medication. Ensure that you take the medicine even if you do not feel normal.

Bystolic may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

Bystolic may lower the sugar level in your body and hide the symptoms. Low blood sugar can make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or even faint. You must carry a reliable source of glucose at all times to control this. If nothing is available, then drink or eat a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non–diet soda.

To prevent low blood sugar, you must eat the meal at the same time each day and avoid skipping meals.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using and contact your doctor immediately.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

It is unknown whether is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Bystolic should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Periodic lab tests including blood pressure, heart function, kidney function, and blood cholesterol levels may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

It has been noted that elder patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.

Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of Bystolic are dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, stomach pain, trouble sleeping. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), chest pain or tightness, fainting, mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the hands, persistent or severe vision changes, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, severe dizziness, shortness of breath or wheezing, sudden, unusual weight gain, swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual tiredness or weakness, unusually slow or irregular heartbeat, very cold or blue fingers or toes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.