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Bisoprolol Fumarate

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 24, 2026

Bisoprolol Fumarate is a cardioselective beta-1 blocker used primarily to treat hypertension, heart failure, and angina. It works by reducing heart rate and the force of heart contractions, thereby lowering blood pressure and decreasing the heart's workload.

Quick summary

A beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and chest pain by reducing heart rate and cardiac workload.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 24, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

RxNorm
142146
Generic
Bisoprolol Fumarate
Class
pin-variant
Brands
Ziac
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
—
Forms
—
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose of 100mg or more may cause serious toxicity including severe bradycardia and hypotension
Chronic overdose: cumulative daily doses exceeding 20-30mg in patients with renal or hepatic impairment may lead to toxicity
Immediate actions
gastric lavage within 1-2 hours of ingestion, activated charcoal if within 1 hour, continuous cardiac monitoring, intravenous fluids
Antidote
Glucagon (supportive agent, not a true antidote)(effective in counteracting severe beta-blocker toxicity by increasing heart rate and myocardial contractility)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

8 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

second trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

discontinue use or switch to safer alternative

Monitor

fetal growth monitoring and heart rate assessment

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

third trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use near delivery due to risk of neonatal bradycardia and hypotension

Monitor

fetal monitoring and assessment of neonatal status at birth

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

lactation

breastfeeding
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid

Key Recommendations

bisoprolol is excreted in breast milk; breastfeeding should be avoided or infant should be monitored closely

Monitor

monitor infant for signs of bradycardia and hypotension

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pediatric_age

children under 12
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

not recommended

Key Recommendations

safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients; use not recommended

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

geriatric

elderly 65 years and older
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

start at lowest dose

Key Recommendations

initiate therapy at low dose and titrate slowly; monitor for excessive bradycardia and hypotension

Monitor

regular monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

severe creatinine clearance less than 30 ml min
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose by 50%

Key Recommendations

use with caution; dose reduction recommended in severe renal impairment

Monitor

monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

severe hepatic impairment
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose by 50%

Key Recommendations

use with caution; dose reduction recommended in severe hepatic impairment

Monitor

monitor liver function and blood pressure response

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Beta-blocker (beta-1 selective)

Beta-1 selective adrenergic blocking agent

usageFDA
2023

Common uses

Value:Hypertension, heart failure, angina

Therapeutic indications for bisoprolol fumarate

prescribingFDA
2023

FDA approval year

Value:1992

Initial FDA approval date for bisoprolol fumarate

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blockade

Pharmacodynamic mechanism of action

Treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), chronic heart failure, and stable angina (chest pain). May be used alone or with other medications.

Selectively blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate, cardiac output, and blood pressure. Its cardioselective nature means it primarily affects the heart with minimal effect on beta-2 receptors in the lungs and blood vessels.

Do not stop taking suddenly without medical supervision as this can worsen heart conditions. May mask symptoms of low blood sugar in diabetics. Inform your doctor of any breathing problems, bradycardia, or severe heart block before starting therapy. Alcohol may enhance blood pressure-lowering effects.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy