What is Nebivolol?

Nebivolol is a long-acting, cardioselective beta-blocker currently licensed for the treatment of hypertension. Nebivolol belongs to the group of medicines known as beta-blockers.  Nebivolol is available in tablet form.

How does Nebivolol work?

Nebivolol belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers, which block beta receptors in the heart, lungs and other organs of the body. Blocking these receptors prevents the action of two chemicals called noradrenaline and adrenaline that occur naturally in the body. These are often referred to as the 'fight or flight' chemicals as they are responsible for the body's reaction to stressful situations.

Nebivolol works by blocking the transmission of messages to the beta receptors in the heart which slows down the activity of the heart, decreasing blood pressure.

Blocking the beta receptors in the heart causes the heart to beat more slowly and with less force. This means that the pressure at which blood is pumped out of the heart to the rest of the body is reduced. This medicine also widens the blood vessels. These are two of the ways in which nebivolol helps to reduce blood pressure, however the whole mechanism is not fully understood.

What should I know before taking Nebivolol?

How to take Nebivolol?

Take nebivolol exactly as directed by your doctor.

Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.

Do not stop taking nebivolol without speaking to your doctor first.

Try to take nebivolol at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of nebivolol contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.

Nebivolol is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

When nebivolol is taken together with calcium channel blockers such as verapamil or diltiazem, the risk of slow heart rate, hypotension and heart failure may be increased. Verapamil should not be given intravenously with this medicine.

If nebivolol is taken together with clonidine, there is a risk of a rebound increase in blood pressure if clonidine is stopped. The nebivolol should be stopped several days before slowly stopping the clonidine.

Care should be taken when sympathomimetic medicines such as adrenaline are given with nebivolol as this combination can cause severely high blood pressure and slow heart rate.  The use of certain anaesthetics with nebivolol may increase the risk of low blood pressure and slow heart rate.

There may be is an increased risk of extremely slow heart rate when nebivolol is taken with digitalis glycosides such as digoxin.

Anti-arrhythmic medicines such as amiodarone or dipyridamole may increase the risk of slow heart rate when taken with this medicine.

When taken with other medicines that lower blood pressure, including tricyclic antidepressants and antipsychotics, the blood pressure lowering effects of nebivolol may be increased.

How to get the most from Nebivolol treatment?

Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside nebivolol.

Keep your regular doctors appointments so your progress can be monitored.

Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking nebivolol.

It is very important to follow any dietary advice that you may have been given by your doctor.

If you have diabetes: Check your blood glucose levels regularly as this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.

What problems may Nebivolol cause?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Tiredness, coldness of the extremities (fingers, toes and nose), disturbed sleep, nightmares, shortness of breath, upset tummy, skin rashes, dry eyes, fluid retention (swelling of the feet and ankles), headaches, depression, problems with eye sight, pins and needles or sexual problems.

If you experience severe light-headedness, dizziness or fainting you must go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.

If you experience any other worrying side effects which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Nebivolol?

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

Disclaimer:

Information on this page is provided for general information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment decision based on information contained in this page without consulting other references including the package insert of the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any erroneous information contained on this page.