Bisoprolol

Pronunciation: bye-SOH-proh-lol.

Generic name
bisoprolol fumarate (bisoprolol hemifumarate in some markets)
Drug class
Cardioselective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker (beta-blocker)
Form
Tablet (commonly 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, 5, 7.5, and 10 mg, availability varies by market)
Route
Oral
Legal status
Prescription-only medicine in every market confirmed this session (United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, Australia, New Zealand); always check your own country and product label.

Availability and supply rules vary by country

Trade names by country: United States · United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · New Zealand

Australia: Bisoprolol Generichealth (5) · Full directory

What bisoprolol fumarate (bisoprolol hemifumarate in some markets) is and how it works

Bisoprolol is a cardioselective (beta-1-preferring) beta-blocker that slows the heart rate and reduces the heart's workload, lowering blood pressure and reducing the heart's oxygen demand. (1) (2)

Bisoprolol's indication emphasis genuinely differs by market: in the United States it is used mainly for high blood pressure, while in the UK and France it is also specifically indicated for stable chronic heart failure with reduced heart-pumping function, used alongside other heart-failure medicines. Whatever the reason you are taking it, the single most important safety fact is that you should never stop taking bisoprolol suddenly on your own -- doing so can cause a real, serious worsening of heart symptoms.

Mechanism of action: how bisoprolol fumarate (bisoprolol hemifumarate in some markets) works

Bisoprolol is a highly cardioselective beta-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, reducing heart rate, myocardial contractility, and cardiac output, and lowering blood pressure and myocardial oxygen demand. (1)

What bisoprolol fumarate (bisoprolol hemifumarate in some markets) is used for

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Used alone or combined with other blood-pressure-lowering medicines to treat high blood pressure. (1)

Chest pain (angina)

Used to help prevent chest pain caused by angina, per New Zealand's Healthify guidance. (6)

Stable chronic heart failure

Used, particularly in the UK and France, alongside ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and sometimes cardiac glycosides, to treat stable chronic heart failure with reduced left ventricular systolic function. (2) (3) (6)

Before taking bisoprolol fumarate (bisoprolol hemifumarate in some markets)

Do not take / not appropriate for

  • Do not take if you have cardiogenic shock, overt/decompensated heart failure requiring intravenous treatment, second- or third-degree AV block, sick sinus syndrome, marked/symptomatic bradycardia, or significant hypotension, unless specifically directed by a cardiologist. (all countries) (1) (2)
  • Do not take if you have severe bronchial asthma or severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease/Raynaud's syndrome (UK SmPC framing -- discuss with your prescriber if you have milder forms of these conditions). (United Kingdom, European Union) (2)
  • Do not take if you have untreated phaeochromocytoma, metabolic acidosis, or a known hypersensitivity to bisoprolol or any excipient. (United Kingdom, European Union) (2)

Tell your clinician about

  • Any history of asthma or other breathing/lung conditions.
  • If you have diabetes, since bisoprolol can mask some warning signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).
  • If you have peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation in your limbs).
  • If you have an overactive thyroid (thyrotoxicosis), since bisoprolol can mask some of its symptoms.
  • If you are scheduled for surgery or a procedure requiring anaesthesia -- tell the anaesthetist you take bisoprolol.
  • If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
  • Any other medicines you take.
(1) (2)

How to take bisoprolol fumarate (bisoprolol hemifumarate in some markets)

  • Take once daily, in the morning, with or without food, at approximately the same time each day.
  • Swallow tablets whole with water.
  • NEVER stop taking bisoprolol suddenly on your own, even if you feel well -- always talk to your prescriber first about how to stop safely.
  • If you have heart failure, your prescriber will usually start you on a very low dose and increase it gradually over several weeks.
(1) (2)

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose, in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber if unsure.

Overdose

Seek urgent medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms can include a very slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, dizziness or fainting, breathing difficulty, and, in severe cases, heart failure or cardiac arrest. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking help. (1)

Side effects

Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.

Headache.

What to notice: Headache.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)

Cough.

What to notice: Cough.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)

Dizziness.

What to notice: Dizziness.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)

Cold hands and feet.

What to notice: Cold hands and feet.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (6)

Tiredness/fatigue.

What to notice: Tiredness/fatigue.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1) (6)

Nausea.

What to notice: Nausea.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (6)

Swelling of the legs/ankles (peripheral oedema).

What to notice: Swelling of the legs/ankles (peripheral oedema).

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)

Serious warnings

Do not stop suddenly -- abrupt discontinuation / rebound ischemia — high caution

Symptoms: Worsening chest pain (angina), a heart attack, an abnormal heart rhythm, or acute worsening of heart failure symptoms can follow sudden cessation, especially if you have coronary artery disease.

Action: Never stop bisoprolol suddenly on your own. Always talk to your prescriber first -- they will taper your dose gradually, typically over about a week or longer, under observation. (1) (2) (6)

Breathing problems (bronchospasm) -- especially with asthma — high caution

Symptoms: Wheezing, chest tightness, or worsening shortness of breath.

Action: Tell your prescriber if you have asthma or another breathing condition before starting; seek medical advice promptly if breathing problems occur or worsen while taking bisoprolol. (1) (2) (6)

Masked hypoglycaemia symptoms in diabetes — moderate caution

Symptoms: Bisoprolol can hide some warning signs of low blood sugar, such as a racing heartbeat.

Action: If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar as advised by your clinician and be aware other hypoglycaemia symptoms (like sweating) may still occur even if palpitations are masked. (1) (2) (6)

Very slow heart rate or fainting — moderate caution

Symptoms: Dizziness, fainting, or a noticeably slow or irregular heartbeat.

Action: Seek medical advice if this occurs -- your dose may need to be adjusted. (1)

Surgery/anaesthesia — important safety information

Symptoms: Not applicable -- a pre-procedure planning consideration.

Action: Tell your surgeon and anaesthetist that you take bisoprolol before any planned surgery or procedure -- it is usually continued through surgery, but this must be planned for. (1) (2)

Masked thyrotoxicosis symptoms — moderate caution

Symptoms: Bisoprolol can mask some signs of an overactive thyroid.

Action: Tell your prescriber if you have or develop symptoms suggesting a thyroid problem; do not stop bisoprolol abruptly if you have thyrotoxicosis, as this may worsen symptoms suddenly. (1) (2)

Interactions

  • This dossier's sources did not detail an exhaustive list of drug-drug interactions. Tell your prescriber about all other medicines you take, especially other heart or blood pressure medicines, so they can check for interactions.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Pregnancy

No adequate controlled studies in pregnant women per the US label reviewed; use only if the benefit justifies the risk, and discuss with your prescriber. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Breastfeeding

Small amounts have been detected in lactating animal milk per the US label reviewed; caution is advised in nursing mothers -- discuss with your prescriber. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Children

This dossier's sources did not detail paediatric-specific dosing or safety information. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Elderly

This dossier's sources did not detail age-specific dose adjustment beyond standard individualised titration. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Hepatic_impairment

This dossier's sources did not detail specific hepatic dosing guidance -- consult your prescriber. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Renal_impairment

This dossier's sources did not detail specific renal dosing guidance -- consult your prescriber. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Monitoring

Before starting

  • Baseline heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Screen for asthma/bronchospastic disease, significant bradycardia, or heart block.
  • Screen for diabetes and discuss hypoglycaemia-symptom masking.

During treatment

  • Regular heart rate and blood pressure checks, especially during dose increases for heart failure.
  • Watch for worsening breathing symptoms if you have asthma or lung disease.
  • Never stop abruptly -- always plan any dose change or discontinuation with your prescriber.
(1) (2)

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, out of reach of children.

Study the drug class: Beta blockers

Professional information

Clinician-facing context only, sourced from the current US DailyMed prescribing information, UK EMC Cardicor SmPC, France's ANSM database, Canada's Health Canada DPD listing, Australia's TGA ARTG entry, and New Zealand's Healthify page reviewed for this dossier; verify against the current full label for the specific product before prescribing.

United States

Indication: Hypertension

Dose summary: Individualised dosing, commonly starting around 2.5-5 mg once daily, titrated by response.

Renal context: Sources reviewed for this dossier did not detail specific renal dosing guidance. (1)

United Kingdom, European Union

Indication: Stable chronic heart failure

Dose summary: Started at a very low dose (as low as 1.25 mg once daily) with slow up-titration over several weeks under close medical supervision, alongside ACE inhibitors and diuretics.

Renal context: Sources reviewed for this dossier did not detail specific renal dosing guidance. (2) (3)

Mechanism of action

Hepatic guidance

Sources reviewed for this dossier did not detail specific hepatic dosing guidance.

Overdose note

Manage supportively (e.g. atropine for bradycardia, supportive cardiovascular measures) under emergency guidance; no specific antidote described in the sources reviewed for this dossier. (1)

Frequently asked questions

Is bisoprolol available in the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand?

Yes, confirmed via direct regulator/government sources: the United States (DailyMed), United Kingdom (EMC-licensed Cardicor SmPC), France/EU (ANSM-authorised generic since 2010), Canada (Health Canada DPD, marketed status), and New Zealand (Healthify). Australia's TGA ARTG registration was identified via search but a direct full-page fetch timed out this session, so it is disclosed as a partial confirmation. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Can I just stop taking bisoprolol if I feel fine?

No. Stopping bisoprolol suddenly, especially if you have coronary artery disease, can cause a real and serious worsening of your heart condition -- including angina, heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms, or worsening heart failure. Always talk to your prescriber first, who will taper your dose down gradually and safely. (1) (2) (6)

Is bisoprolol used for blood pressure or heart failure?

Both, though the emphasis differs by market. In the United States it is used mainly for high blood pressure. In the UK and France, it is also specifically indicated for stable chronic heart failure with reduced heart-pumping function, used alongside other heart-failure medicines and started at a very low dose. (1) (2) (3)

What is the mechanism of action of bisoprolol fumarate (bisoprolol hemifumarate in some markets)?

Bisoprolol is a highly cardioselective beta-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, reducing heart rate, myocardial contractility, and cardiac output, and lowering blood pressure and myocardial oxygen demand. (1)

What is the generic name of Bisoprolol?

The generic name is bisoprolol fumarate (bisoprolol hemifumarate in some markets). (1) (6)

What class of drug is bisoprolol fumarate (bisoprolol hemifumarate in some markets)?

Bisoprolol is classed as: Cardioselective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker (beta-blocker). (1) (6)

References

  1. Bisoprolol Fumarate Tablets -- full prescribing informationDailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine) -- FDA-approved prescribing information · United States · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 1
  2. Cardicor 10mg Film Coated Tablets -- SmPCelectronic medicines compendium (emc), United Kingdom -- Summary of Product Characteristics · United Kingdom · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 2
  3. BISOPROLOL ZYDUS FRANCE 2,50 mg, comprime secable -- medicine extract (CIS 61836960)Base de Donnees Publique des Medicaments (ANSM / French Ministry of Health) -- official French medicines database · European Union (France) · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 3
  4. Bisoprolol Tablets 5mg -- DIN 02495562Health Canada -- Drug Product Database (DPD) · Canada · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 4
  5. Bisoprolol Generichealth bisoprolol fumarate 5 mg film-coated tablet blister pack (ARTG 212062)Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia -- ARTG entry · Australia · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 5
  6. Bisoprolol -- Healthify medicines A-ZHealthify (Te Whatu Ora / Health New Zealand-funded national health information service) · New Zealand · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 6

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient bisoprolol fumarate (bisoprolol hemifumarate in some markets) names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries

United States

  • Bisoprolol Fumarate Tablets (generic, multiple manufacturers) (1)FDA approved confirmed · 5 mg, 10 mg · multiple generic manufacturers

United Kingdom

  • Cardicor (2)MHRA licensed confirmed · 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 3.75 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg · not independently re-confirmed this session
  • Emcor (2)referenced in search not independently confirmed this session · not independently confirmed this session · not independently confirmed this session

Canada

  • Bisoprolol Tablets (Sivem Pharmaceuticals) (4)Health Canada marketed confirmed · 5 mg · Sivem Pharmaceuticals ULC

Australia

  • Bisoprolol Generichealth (5)TGA ARTG entry search confirmed 212062 · 5 mg · not independently re-confirmed this session

New Zealand

  • Bisoprolol (generic, Healthify-listed) (6)Healthify confirmed available · 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg · not independently confirmed this session
View brands in additional countries.

European Union

Bisoprolol Zydus France (3)

This page provides general reference information about bisoprolol and is not a substitute for advice from your pharmacist or clinician. Never stop taking bisoprolol suddenly without talking to your prescriber -- doing so can cause a serious worsening of your heart condition.

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