nebivolol

Generic Name: nebivolol (ne BIV oh lol)

Brand Names: Bystolic

What is nebivolol?

Nebivolol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Nebivolol is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Nebivolol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about nebivolol?

Do not skip doses or stop taking nebivolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse or cause other serious heart problems such as severe chest pain or heart attack. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using nebivolol. Nebivolol may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Nebivolol is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nebivolol?

You should not take nebivolol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

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  severe liver disease; or

  
  


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  a heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heart rate, or heart failure.

  
  

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a nebivolol dose adjustment or special tests:

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  asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;

  
  


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  liver or kidney disease;

  
  


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  diabetes;

  
  


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  a thyroid disorder;

  
  


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  a history of allergies;

  
  


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  problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome);

  
  


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  pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland); or

  
  


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  if you have recently had a heart attack.

  
  

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether nebivolol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether nebivolol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take nebivolol?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take nebivolol at the same time every day. You may take the medication with or without food.

Do not skip doses or stop taking nebivolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse or cause other serious heart problems such as severe chest pain or heart attack. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using nebivolol.

Nebivolol is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Nebivolol dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include slow heart rate, dizziness, vomiting, trouble breathing, or feeling like you might pass out.

What should I avoid while taking nebivolol?

Nebivolol may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Nebivolol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

  
  


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  swelling of your ankles or feet;

  
  


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  slow or uneven heartbeats; or

  
  


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  numbness or cold feeling in your hands and feet.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  headache;

  
  


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  tired feeling;

  
  


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  nausea, stomach pain;

  
  


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  diarrhea; or

  
  


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  sleep problems (insomnia).

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Nebivolol Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Maintenance dose: up to 40 mg orally once a day, titrated to patient response and tolerability. Doses can be increased at 2-week intervals.

What other drugs will affect nebivolol?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

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  digitalis (digoxin, Lanoxin);

  
  


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  clonidine (Catapres);

  
  


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  reserpine;

  
  


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  a heart or blood pressure medication such as diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and others;

  
  


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  heart rhythm medicine such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), quinidine (Quin-G), procainamide (Pronestyl), disopyramide (Norpace), flecaininde (Tambocor), mexiletine (Mexitil), propafenone, (Rythmol), and others;

  
  


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  an antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and others; or

  
  


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  another beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), and others.

  
  

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with nebivolol. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More nebivolol resources

• Nebivolol Side Effects (in more detail)
• Nebivolol Dosage
• Nebivolol Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Nebivolol Drug Interactions
• Nebivolol Support Group
• 85 Reviews for Nebivolol - Add your own review/rating

• nebivolol Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Nebivolol Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Nebivolol MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Bystolic Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Bystolic Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Bystolic Consumer Overview

Compare nebivolol with other medications

• High Blood Pressure
• Mitral Valve Prolapse

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about nebivolol.

See also: nebivolol side effects (in more detail)