Brand Name

Zebeta {Duramed}

Generic Name

bisoprolol, pronounced BIS oh PROE lol

What is Zebeta?

Zebeta is a medication that is used to treat hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Zebeta is in a class of medications called beta blockers, and works to help the blood flow through your arteries and veins. Zebeta may be used for purposes not indicated in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Zebeta

Zebeta is a part of a complete program that your doctor has prescribed for you. This program includes diet, exercise, weight control, and possibly other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines closely.

Zebeta is in FDA pregnancy category C. We do not know if Zebeta can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant before taking Zebeta. We do not know if Zebeta passes into breast milk and could cause harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking Zebeta.

While you are taking Zebeta be careful when doing anything that requires you to be alert, such as driving. Zebeta may impair your thinking and reaction time.

Before You Take Zebeta

You should not take Zebeta if you are allergic to bisoprolol.

If you have a serious heart condition like “AV block”, slow heart rhythm or a condition that causes low blood pressure you should not take Zebeta.

Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis or emphysema.

Before taking Zebeta, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or a heart problem like angina, heart block or a slow heart rhythm.

Let your doctor know if you have a thyroid disorder or problems with circulation (like Raynaud’s syndrome) before starting treatment with Zebeta.

You will need to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking Zebeta. Continue using Zebeta even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use Zebeta or another blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Zebeta Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• asthma or other breathing disorder medications like albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), metaproterenol (Alupent), pirbuterol (Maxair), terbutaline (Brethaire, Brethine, Bricanyl), and theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theochron, Uniphyl)
• beta-blockers like atenolol (Tenormin), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran) and sotalol (Betapace)
• clonidine (Catapres)
• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin)
• disopyramide (Norpace)
• guanethidine (Ismelin)
• heart or blood pressure medications like amlodipine
• Norvasc, Caduet, Exforge, Lotrel, Tekamlo, Tribenzor, Twynsta), diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia) and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan)
• insulin or oral diabetes medications
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Zebeta. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Zebeta

You should follow the instructions on your prescription label and not take Zebeta for longer than recommended by your doctor, or in larger or smaller doses.

Zebeta should be taken at the same time every day.

You should take Zebeta with a full (8 oz.) glass of water.

Zebeta is only a part of a regimen that your doctor may have prescribed for you. This regimen might include diet, exercise and weight management for healthy living. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

If you need surgery be sure to tell the surgeon and staff that you are taking Zebeta.

Zebeta should be stored at room temperature, and away from both moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Zebeta you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but only if your next dose is less than 4 hours away. Do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Zebeta Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Zebeta and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reaction such as breathing difficulties, hives and swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• chest pain
• confusion or hallucinations
• feeling faint like you might pass out
• numbness, cold feeling, tingling in your hands and feet
• pain or burning when urinating
• shortness of breath, even with mild exertion
• slow, fast, uneven or pounding heartbeats
• swelling of your ankles or feet

Less serious Zebeta side effects may include:

• anxiety or restless feeling
• constipation
• depression
• diarrhea
• dizziness or spinning sensation
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• insomnia
• joint or muscle pain
• loss of interest in sex
• nausea
• rash with mild itching
• ringing in your ears
• runny or stuffy nose
• stomach pain
• feeling tired
• increased urination
• vomiting

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Zebeta. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Zebeta Description and Dosing

Zebeta tablets are available as 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. The 5 mg tablets are pink, heart-shaped, biconvex, film-coated, vertically scored in half on both sides, with an engraved stylized b/stylized b on one side and 6/0 on the reverse side.

The 10 mg tablets are white, heart-shaped, biconvex, film-coated, with an engraved stylized b on one side and 61 on the reverse side.

Consult your doctor for specific dosing pertaining to you. You should take Zebeta exactly as your doctor prescribes you to. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you believe you may have overdosed with Zebeta seek emergency medical help immediately.

Ingredients in Zebeta

Zebeta contains the active ingredient bisoprolol fumarate. Inactive ingredients include Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, Corn Starch, Crospovidone, Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Polyethylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, and Titanium Dioxide. The 5 mg tablets also contain Red and Yellow Iron Oxide.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

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