Nebivolol

• Nebivolol is a beta-blocker that helps to lower high blood pressure, or treat hypertension
• Nebivolol can also be prescribed for heart failure
• Nebivolol is sometimes known by its brand name Nebilet
• Nebivolol is usually taken just once a day
• Nebivolol can sometimes cause side effects include headaches or feeling tired, but the side effects often settle quickly

It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Nebivolol is part of the beta-blocker family of medications. This means it acts on beta receptors within the heart, slowing down the rate at which the heart contracts. Nebivolol does this by stopping messages getting through to the beta receptors. This helps to relieve some strain on the heart.

Nebivolol also works to relax the blood vessels so that they become wider. This makes it easier for blood to flow around the body, lowering the blood pressure and further relieving strain on the heart.

This is why nebivolol can be prescribed for both high blood pressure and heart failure.

Nebivolol is a tablet that should be swallowed with some water. Nebivolol can be taken with or without food.

You should try to take nebivolol at the same time every day.

Dosage of Nebivolol

A common starting dose of nebivolol is 5mg once a day. You can expect your blood pressure to respond to nebivolol within 1 to 2 weeks.

Your doctor may want to check your blood pressure at this point to decide if the dose is adequate. Alternatively, they may recommend reducing the dose to 2.5mg once a day, or increasing it to 10mg once a day.

Elderly patients or those with kidney disease may be started on nebivolol at a dose of 2.5mg.

Like all medications, nebivolol can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Headaches

• Nausea (feeling sick)

• Diarrhoea or constipation

• Feeling dizzy or light-headed – if this occurs it may help to stand up more slowly from a chair, or sit on the edge of the bed for a while before standing up from the bed

• Cold hands or feet

• Breathlessness

• Feeling tired

• Swollen feet or ankles

• Tingling in your hands or feet.

These side effects are likely to settle down, but if they persist or become troublesome you should speak to your doctor for further advice.

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Nebivolol may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your doctor if you:

• Have a slow or irregular heartbeat
• Have heart block
• Have angina (especially Prinzmetal’s angina)
• Have poor circulation
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have asthma or a problem with your breathing
• Have diabetes
• Have myasthenia gravis
• Have ever had an allergic reaction to nebivolol, another beta-blocker, or any other medication
• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Some medications can interact with nebivolol. You may be advised that nebivolol will not suit you if you already take:

• Medications for an irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• Other medications for high blood pressure
• Insulin or another medication for diabetes
• Baclofen (a type of pain relief)
• Medications for treatment of a tumour or cancer
• Antimalarial medications.

• Because nebivolol may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

  A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that nebivolol will not interact with them.