Indications
- Nebivolol is used for treating high blood pressure.
- Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
- It belongs to the class of drugs called beta blockers.
- Mechanism: Blocks the action of natural substances like epinephrine on the heart and blood vessels.
- Result: Reduction in heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
Dosage and administration
- Read the Patient Information Leaflet from the pharmacist before starting nebivolol and with each refill. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for any questions.
- Take the medication orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
- Dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Use regularly for optimal benefits; take it at the same time each day to help remember.
- Full benefits of the drug may take several weeks. Continue even if feeling well, as high blood pressure is often asymptomatic.
- Inform your doctor if there is no improvement or if your condition worsens (blood pressure readings remain high or increase).
Side effects
- Possible side effects may include headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, nausea, slow heartbeat, or trouble sleeping.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects last or worsen.
- To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.
- The drug may cause cold sensations in hands and feet; avoid smoking, which may worsen this effect. Dress warmly.
- Remember, the medication is prescribed because the benefits outweigh the risks for most users.
- Report serious side effects to your doctor immediately, including blue fingers/toes, fainting, very slow heartbeat, new or worsening symptoms of heart failure, and mental/mood changes.
- Very serious allergic reactions are rare but seek medical help for symptoms like rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
- Incomplete list; contact doctor/pharmacist for other unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor/pharmacist about allergies to nebivolol or other allergies.
- Discuss your medical history with your doctor/pharmacist, especially certain heart rhythm problems, blood circulation problems, breathing problems, kidney/liver disease, heart failure, mental/mood disorders, muscle disease, overactive thyroid disease, and serious allergic reactions requiring epinephrine.
- The drug may cause dizziness; alcohol or marijuana can intensify this effect. Avoid activities requiring alertness until safe. Limit alcohol and discuss marijuana use with the doctor.
- Before surgery, inform your doctor/dentist about all products you use, including prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products.
- The medication may prevent the usual fast/pounding heartbeat during low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This risk is higher for those with diabetes, fasting, vomiting, or irregular eating. Other low blood sugar symptoms are unaffected.
- If you have diabetes, the drug may make blood sugar control challenging. Monitor levels regularly and inform your doctor of symptoms of high blood sugar.
- Children, especially if vomiting or not eating regularly, may be at greater risk for low blood sugar. Ensure regular eating, and inform the doctor if symptoms occur.
- During pregnancy, use only when necessary. Babies born to mothers using this drug may have low birth weight and require monitoring for potential issues.
- It’s unknown if the medication passes into breast milk; consult your doctor before breastfeeding.