Nebivolol

💊 What is Nebivolol used for?

• •The label says nebivolol is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to lower blood pressure. It can be used alone or with other blood pressure medicines. The label says lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks. It also says there are no controlled trials showing that nebivolol itself reduces that risk. The label says it is not approved for children under 18.

How it works

The label describes nebivolol as a beta-blocker and says it lowers blood pressure. It does not explain the mechanism in more detail in the sections provided.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says to take nebivolol every day, regularly and continuously, as directed. It can be taken with or without food. Your prescriber decides how much to take and how often, and may start with a lower amount and raise it over time. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist. Do not stop it or change how much you take without talking with your prescriber.

Comes as

• •Tablets: 2.5 mg (light blue, round, marked 'L' and '78')
• •Tablets: 5 mg (beige, round, marked 'L' and '79')
• •Tablets: 10 mg (pink, round, marked 'L' and '80')
• •Tablets: 20 mg (light blue, round, marked 'L' and '85')

⚠️ Nebivolol side effects

🛑 Who should not take Nebivolol, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have a very slow heartbeat (severe bradycardia).
• 🚨You have heart block greater than first degree.
• 🚨You have cardiogenic shock.
• 🚨You have decompensated heart failure, such as being in the ICU or needing medicines to keep up your blood circulation.
• 🚨You have sick sinus syndrome, unless a permanent pacemaker is in place.
• 🚨You have severe liver damage (severe hepatic impairment, Child-Pugh greater than B).
• 🚨You are allergic to nebivolol or any ingredient in the tablets.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your doctor about asthma or other lung problems, such as bronchitis or emphysema.
• •Tell your doctor if you have problems with blood flow in your feet and legs (peripheral vascular disease). The label says nebivolol can make these symptoms worse.
• •Tell your doctor if you have diabetes and take medicine to control blood sugar. The label says beta-blockers may hide some signs of low blood sugar, especially a fast heartbeat.
• •Tell your doctor about thyroid problems, liver or kidney problems, allergies, or a condition called pheochromocytoma.
• •Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• •Tell your doctor if you are scheduled for surgery and will receive anesthetic medicines.
• •Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Keep a list and show it to your doctor and pharmacist.
• •The label says you should know how the medicine affects you before you drive, use machinery, or do other tasks that need alertness.

🔀 Nebivolol with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •CYP2D6 inhibitors, such as quinidine, propafenone, fluoxetine, and paroxetine, may raise nebivolol levels. The label says to use caution, and the dose may need to be reduced.
• •Reserpine, guanethidine, or clonidine may cause an excessive drop in nervous system activity. The label says clonidine should be stopped gradually only after nebivolol has been stopped for several days.
• •Digitalis glycosides (heart medicines such as digoxin) can add to the slowing of heart rate and increase the risk of a slow heartbeat.
• •Verapamil-type or diltiazem-type calcium channel blockers can cause excessive drops in heart rate, blood pressure, and heart contractility. The label says your doctor may monitor your heart rhythm (ECG) and blood pressure.
• •Disopyramide and other antiarrhythmic medicines may add to the effects of nebivolol on the heart.
• •Do not use nebivolol with other beta-blockers, according to the label.
• •Insulin and oral diabetes medicines: nebivolol may hide some signs of low blood sugar.

Alcohol and food

The label says nebivolol can be taken with or without food. The label does not mention alcohol.

🤰 Nebivolol in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says there is not enough data to know whether nebivolol causes harm to a developing baby. It also says high blood pressure during pregnancy carries risks for both mother and baby. The label says it is not known if nebivolol is safe for an unborn baby, and that your doctor should discuss the best way to treat high blood pressure during pregnancy. Beta-blockers used in the third trimester may affect the newborn, including slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, and low blood sugar.

Breastfeeding

The label says it is not known if nebivolol passes into breast milk. The label says you should not breastfeed while using nebivolol tablets.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store the tablets between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep them out of the reach of children. Safely throw away tablets that are out of date or no longer needed.

If a dose is missed

The label says to take your dose as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time. Take your next dose at the usual time. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

If too much is taken

The label says that if you take too much nebivolol, call your doctor or poison control center right away. The most common signs of overdose are a slow heartbeat and low blood pressure. Other reported effects include heart failure, dizziness, low blood sugar, fatigue, and vomiting, and breathing problems (bronchospasm) and heart block have also been reported with beta-blocker overdose.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Nebivolol

• Why was nebivolol chosen for my blood pressure instead of another medicine?
• What should I do if I feel dizzy or faint after taking it?
• What symptoms should make me call you right away?
• What should I do if I want to stop taking it or if my doctor plans to lower the dose?
• How will you check my blood pressure and heart rate while I take this medicine?
• Does this medicine affect my blood sugar or how I would notice low blood sugar if I have diabetes?
• Are any of my other medicines or supplements a concern with nebivolol?

❓ Nebivolol: frequently asked questions