Bisocor 5 mg

Description

Indications: Bisocor 5 mg Tablet is commonly prescribed for the following conditions:

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

Note: Bisocor is not suitable for the emergency treatment of hypertensive crises.

Pharmacology: Bisocor contains Bisoprolol Fumarate, which is a highly selective β1-adrenergic blocker. It has a higher affinity for the β1 receptor in the heart and vascular smooth muscle compared to other beta-blockers, making it particularly effective in reducing heart rate and cardiac output. This leads to the reduction of arterial hypertension.

Unlike non-selective beta-blockers, Bisoprolol does not alter lipid metabolism, ensuring no negative impact on cholesterol levels, including the cardioprotective HDL cholesterol, during long-term use.

The pharmacokinetic properties of Bisoprolol ensure stable plasma concentration profiles with low variability, supporting a once-daily dosing schedule for optimal therapeutic reliability.

Absorption & Bioavailability: Bisoprolol is efficiently absorbed, with more than 90% of the drug entering the bloodstream. The drug has an 88% bioavailability, with a minimal first-pass effect of less than 10%. The absorption of Bisoprolol is not affected by food intake.

Metabolism: Bisoprolol is primarily metabolized in the liver via oxidative pathways without any conjugation. The resulting metabolites are polar and eliminated through the kidneys. The major metabolites found in human plasma and urine lack pharmacological activity.

Elimination: The drug’s elimination is balanced between the kidneys (approximately 50%) and the liver (the other 50%). Its half-life is between 10-12 hours, allowing for consistent effects over the day.

Dosage & Administration:

For Adults: For mild to moderate hypertension, the starting dose of Bisoprolol should be 5 mg once daily, which can be taken alone or in combination with a diuretic. If the response is insufficient, the dose can be gradually increased to 10 mg, and if needed, up to 20 mg daily. Dosage adjustments should be made with a minimum of 2 weeks between increases.

For Patients with Renal or Hepatic Impairment: In individuals with liver conditions (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis) or renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance <40 mL/min), the initial dose should be 5 mg daily. Due to the risk of drug accumulation, careful monitoring and dose adjustment are necessary. Bisoprolol is not significantly removed by dialysis.

For Elderly Patients: Usually, no dose adjustment is needed in elderly patients unless they have significant liver or kidney issues.

Drug Interactions:

• Other β-blockers: Bisocor should not be used in combination with other β-blocking agents.
• Catecholamine-depleting Drugs: Careful monitoring is advised if Bisocor is used with medications like reserpine or guanethidine as it may excessively reduce sympathetic activity.
• Antiarrhythmic Agents and Calcium Channel Blockers: Caution is required when combined with certain antiarrhythmic drugs (such as disopyramide) or calcium antagonists (such as verapamil or diltiazem), as this may lead to slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, or heart failure.

Contraindications:

Bisocor should not be used in patients with the following conditions:

• Cardiogenic shock
• Severe heart failure
• Second or third-degree AV block
• Sinus bradycardia
• Right ventricular failure due to pulmonary hypertension

Side Effects:

Possible side effects of Bisocor may include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
• Cold or numb extremities
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Bradycardia (slower-than-normal heart rate)
• Breathing difficulties in people with asthma or COPD due to bronchospasm

Pregnancy & Lactation:

• Pregnancy: Animal studies have shown no teratogenic effects at doses much higher than the recommended human dose. However, it is fetotoxic at high doses. Bisoprolol should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. No studies are available in pregnant women.

• Lactation: Small amounts of Bisoprolol are excreted into milk in rats. It’s unknown if the drug passes into human milk, so caution is advised when using Bisoprolol during breastfeeding. If necessary, breastfeeding should be discontinued.

Precautions & Warnings:

• Patients with impaired renal or hepatic function should be carefully monitored.
• Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions may be more sensitive to allergens and less responsive to epinephrine, requiring special care when exposed to allergens.
• Discontinuation: Bisocor should not be stopped suddenly, as this could lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure and heightened risk of heart attack or stroke.

Storage:

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

Chemical Information:

• Molecular Formula: C18H31NO4

Common Questions about Bisocor 5 mg Tablet:

What is Bisocor 5 mg Tablet?
Bisocor 5 mg Tablet is a beta-blocker used to manage hypertension, chest pain (angina), and heart failure by lowering heart rate and widening blood vessels.

How should I take Bisocor 5 mg Tablet?
Take Bisocor 5 mg Tablet by mouth once daily, either with or without food. It is recommended to take it at the same time each day for consistency.

What are the possible side effects?
Side effects include dizziness, fatigue, headache, slow heart rate, breathing difficulty, and cold hands or feet. If you experience any side effects, consult your doctor.

Can I take Bisocor 5 mg Tablet if I have health issues?
Speak to your doctor if you have conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart problems, liver/kidney issues, or low blood pressure, as these may affect how Bisocor works.

How should Bisocor 5 mg Tablet be stored?
Store Bisocor in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets.

Quick Tips:

• Bisocor may cause dizziness. When standing or getting up, do so slowly to avoid fainting.
• If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar closely, as Bisocor may mask symptoms of low blood sugar.
• Do not suddenly stop taking Bisocor, as it can cause a rapid increase in blood pressure.