Bisoprolol
Also known as: Cardicor
What it's for
Bisoprolol is a beta blocker. It slows your heart rate and makes your heart beat more regularly. It treats high blood pressure, heart failure, and helps prevent angina.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- Adults: Usually start with 1.25mg to 2.5mg once a day.
- Your doctor may increase the dose gradually.
- Take in the morning, with or without food.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Feeling tired or dizzy
- Cold hands and feet
- Slow heartbeat
- Headache
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Do not stop taking it suddenly - this can make your condition worse
- May hide the warning signs of low blood sugar if you have diabetes
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma or breathing problems
- May make you feel dizzy - take care when standing up
Get medical help urgently if…
- Your heart beats very slowly or irregularly
- You have severe dizziness or fainting
- You have difficulty breathing or wheezing
- You have worsening chest pain
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.