Ancor 2.5 mg

Description

Indications

Ancor 2.5 mg Tablet is prescribed for:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Angina (chest pain)
• Moderate to severe heart failure

It is not intended for the emergency treatment of hypertensive crises.

Use this medication as directed by a registered physician.

Pharmacology

Bisoprolol Fumarate, the active ingredient in Ancor, is a highly selective β1-blocker. It has the strongest affinity for the β1 receptor among available beta-blockers, ensuring effective heart rate and blood pressure control. By selectively blocking β1 adrenergic receptors in the heart and vascular smooth muscle, it reduces cardiac output, thereby lowering arterial hypertension.

Unlike non-selective β-blockers, Bisoprolol does not negatively affect cholesterol levels, including HDL-cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol), even with long-term use.

Pharmacokinetics:

• Absorption & Bioavailability: More than 90% of Bisoprolol is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with an absolute bioavailability of 88%. Food does not interfere with its absorption.
• Distribution: Bisoprolol is widely distributed in the body, with a medium distribution volume of 3.5 L/kg.
• Metabolism: The drug is metabolized through oxidative pathways, with metabolites excreted primarily through the kidneys. It undergoes minimal first-pass metabolism, ensuring stable blood concentrations.
• Elimination: Bisoprolol is cleared through both renal excretion (50%) and hepatic metabolism (50%). It has an elimination half-life of approximately 10-12 hours.

Dosage & Administration

Adults:

• The usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily, either alone or combined with a diuretic.
• If the response is insufficient, the dose may be increased to 10 mg, and if necessary, up to 20 mg daily.
• Dose adjustments should be made at two-week intervals.

Children:

• The safety and efficacy of Bisoprolol in children have not been established.

Patients with Renal or Hepatic Impairment:

• In cases of liver disease (e.g., hepatitis or cirrhosis) or kidney impairment (creatinine clearance <40 mL/min), the initial dose should be 5 mg daily.
• Dose adjustments should be made cautiously to prevent drug accumulation.
• Since Bisoprolol is not significantly removed by dialysis, no replacement dosing is required for dialysis patients.

Elderly Patients:

• Generally, no dosage adjustments are necessary unless there is significant kidney or liver dysfunction.

Use this medication under medical supervision.

Drug Interactions

Avoid Concurrent Use With:

• Other Beta-Blockers: Combining with additional β-blockers may intensify effects and lead to excessive heart rate reduction.
• Catecholamine-Depleting Drugs (e.g., reserpine, guanethidine): May cause excessive suppression of sympathetic activity, requiring close monitoring.
• Centrally Acting Antihypertensive Agents (e.g., clonidine): Abrupt withdrawal may lead to rebound hypertension. If transitioning from clonidine to Bisoprolol, a time gap is necessary to prevent adverse effects.
• Antiarrhythmic Drugs & Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem): Can lead to severe hypotension, slow heart rate, and cardiac failure, especially in patients with pre-existing heart conditions.

Contraindications

Ancor 2.5 mg Tablet should not be used in patients with:

• Cardiogenic shock
• Overt heart failure
• Second or third-degree A-V block
• Right ventricular failure due to pulmonary hypertension
• Sinus bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate)

Side Effects

Not all patients experience side effects, but possible adverse reactions include:

• Fatigue, dizziness, headache
• Digestive issues: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal discomfort
• Cold or numb extremities (hands and feet)
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Breathing difficulties (bronchospasm) in patients with asthma or COPD

Use in Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy:

• Animal studies indicate no birth defects at recommended doses, but fetal toxicity was observed at high doses.
• There are no adequate human studies. The drug should only be used if the benefits outweigh potential risks.

Lactation:

• It is unknown whether Bisoprolol passes into human breast milk.
• If treatment is essential, breastfeeding should be discontinued.

Precautions & Warnings

• Patients with Kidney or Liver Impairment: Dose adjustments may be needed.
• Patients with Severe Allergic Reactions: Those with a history of severe anaphylactic reactions may have heightened sensitivity while on beta-blockers and may not respond to standard doses of epinephrine.
• Diabetic Patients: Bisoprolol may mask symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., rapid heartbeat). Blood glucose levels should be closely monitored.
• Do Not Stop Suddenly: Abrupt discontinuation can cause a sudden rise in blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Therapeutic Class

• Beta-blockers
• Anti-adrenergic agents

Storage Instructions

• Store in a dry, cool place, away from direct light and heat.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ancor 2.5 mg Tablet?
Ancor 2.5 mg Tablet is a beta-blocker medication that reduces blood pressure, decreases heart workload, and helps prevent chest pain.

What conditions does Ancor 2.5 mg Tablet treat?
It is prescribed for high blood pressure (hypertension), chest pain (angina), and heart failure.

How should I take Ancor 2.5 mg Tablet?
Take it once daily, with or without food, preferably at the same time each day. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

What are the common side effects?
Some common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, headache, slow heart rate, breathing difficulties, and cold extremities.

Is Ancor 2.5 mg Tablet safe?
It is generally safe when taken as prescribed. However, consult your doctor if you have asthma, diabetes, heart problems, liver or kidney issues, low blood pressure, or depression.

Should I take Ancor 2.5 mg Tablet before or after meals?
It can be taken after food as prescribed by your doctor.

How should I store and dispose of Ancor 2.5 mg Tablet?
Store it in a cool, dry place, in its original packaging, and away from children and pets.

Quick Tips

• May cause dizziness; stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions.
• If diabetic, monitor blood sugar levels as symptoms of low sugar may be masked.
• Do not stop taking Ancor suddenly, as it can cause a sudden rise in blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.