A problem that many people have these days is high blood pressure, or 'pressure' as we all call it. Your doctor has probably prescribed medication to control your blood pressure. If you have been prescribed a pill called Nebivolol, this article will be very important for you. Let's see what this medication is, how it works, and what you need to be careful about while using it.
What kind of medicine is Nebivolol?
Simply put, Nebivolol is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of drugs called 'beta blockers'.
Think of your heart as a water pump. When your blood pressure increases, it means that the pump has to work harder and harder to pump blood throughout your body. Nebivolol works by slowing your heart rate, lowering your blood pressure, and taking the strain off your heart. This allows your heart to pump blood more easily and efficiently. Doctors may also prescribe it for other conditions. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before prescribing Nebivolol, it is important for your doctor to know your complete medical history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Illness or condition | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | This medicine may mask some symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., increased heart rate). |
| Heart disease or blood vessel problems | Conditions such as slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, or Raynaud's disease. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Because it can affect the process of removing the medicine from the body. |
| Respiratory diseases (such as asthma) | Sometimes it can increase breathing difficulties. |
| Thyroid diseases | Some symptoms of increased thyroid hormones can be masked. |
| Pheochromocytoma | This is a rare tumor of the adrenal gland, and other treatments are required before this medicine can be given. |
| Pregnancy or expecting a baby | You should talk to your doctor about using this medicine during pregnancy. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | Seek medical advice on whether the medicine can be given to the baby with breast milk. |
| Allergies | If you have previously had an allergy to Nebivolol, other beta-blockers, or any other medicine or food. |
How should I use the medicine?
This is very simple. It is a medicine that you should take by mouth, in the prescribed dosage, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day . Once you make this a habit, you won't forget to take your medicine.
- Continue taking the medication until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly as you feel like it. Doing so can cause your blood pressure to suddenly increase and other complications may occur.
- If this medicine is given to children, special medical advice is required.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you. It may be dangerous.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once, including a missed dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medicines that may interact with Nebivolol
Some medications can cause problems when taken with Nebivolol. Therefore, tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (medicines for other conditions, vitamins, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements). Especially if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Other medications for blood pressure, heart disease, or heart rhythm disorders.
- Some medications for depression, for example fluoxetine or paroxetine.
- Cimetidine
- Clonidine
- Reserpine
- Sildenafil
This list is not complete. It is safest to tell your doctor about everything you take. Also, tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to consider when taking the medicine
- Go for regular check-ups: Go to your doctor at regular intervals to check your progress. If you are also checking your blood pressure at home, ask what your normal blood pressure should be and at what level you should call your doctor .
- Do not self-medicate: While you are taking this medicine, do not take over-the-counter medications for cough, cold, or pain without consulting your doctor. Some medications can increase your blood pressure.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, and doing other activities that require alertness until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Don't get up too quickly: Getting up suddenly from a sitting position or out of bed can cause dizziness and fall. Be especially careful if you are elderly. Get up slowly.
- No alcohol: Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medicine, so it is best to avoid drinking alcohol.
- For people with diabetes: If you have diabetes, this medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. Therefore, ask your doctor if you need to make any changes to your diet or diabetes medication.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Nebivolol can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, and feeling unusually tired. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Slow heartbeat | Dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, unusual weakness. |
| Raynaud's phenomenon | Fingers become cold, numb, painful, and turn white, blue, or red. |
| Changes in mental status | Feelings of frustration, depression, or increased feelings of sadness. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Fatigue |
| Dizziness | Diarrhea |
| Changes in sexual function or desire | |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How should you store the medicine?
Keep the pills out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Nebivolol is a medicine that should be used only as directed by your doctor. Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly for any reason without consulting your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you take.
- Avoid getting up suddenly from a sitting or lying position, as dizziness may occur while taking the medication.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the limbs, or extreme dizziness, seek medical advice immediately.
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