Foods to Avoid When Taking Bisoprolol (Plus 4 More Pharmacist-Backed Tips for Taking It)

Bisoprolol is a beta blocker that’s typically taken once a day for high blood pressure or other heart-related conditions.  If you’re taking bisoprolol, a few simple strategies can help you avoid unwanted effects and get the most from your treatment.

Here, we’ll cover five pharmacist-backed tips, including what foods to avoid when you’re taking bisoprolol.

1. There are foods to avoid when taking bisoprolol

There are certain foods and drinks you may want to limit while you’re taking bisoprolol. On the other hand, some foods that commonly interact with other blood pressure medications are safe to eat while you’re taking bisoprolol. Here’s what you should know.

Foods to avoid or limit with bisoprolol

There aren’t direct interactions between bisoprolol and any food or drinks. But to help support your heart health while taking it, you may want to avoid or limit the following:

• High-sodium foods: Sticking to a low-sodium diet can help support the health of your heart and kidneys. It can also help manage high blood pressure. Foods that are typically high in sodium include fast food, deli meats, and frozen meals. Condiments, such as salad dressing and ketchup, can also contain high amounts of salt.

• Sugar and saturated fats: Foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats can raise your risk for health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. These can contribute to or worsen heart disease, which can make it harder for bisoprolol to work. It’s best to consume sugar and saturated fat in moderation. Choose healthy fats instead, such as nuts and avocados. And try eating whole fruit instead of soda or baked goods when you want a sweet treat. 

• Caffeine: Caffeine can increase your heart rate or blood pressure, which can make bisoprolol less effective. One or two cups of coffee or tea per day isn’t likely to cause an issue. But it’s best to avoid energy drinks and keep caffeine consumption to a minimum. 

• Alcohol: Mixing alcohol with blood pressure medications can be risky. Alcohol may worsen some of the side effects of bisoprolol, such as dizziness or fainting. Additionally, it’s possible that alcohol may make bisoprolol less effective. Check with your healthcare team about how much alcohol, if any, is safe for you while taking bisoprolol.

• Black licorice: Having some black licorice candy now and then should be fine. But large amounts of licorice root can raise your blood pressure. It can also lower potassium levels and raise sodium levels, which can lead to irregular heart rhythms in certain people. So it’s best to keep black licorice as an occasional treat. Keep in mind that red licorice doesn’t carry the same risk. But since it’s high in sugar, it’s best to consume this candy in moderation too.

Good to know: Some of these ingredients are also found in over-the-counter products. And there are other dietary supplements you should avoid while taking bisoprolol. Be sure to read the ingredients carefully or check with your healthcare team before taking anything new.

Foods that are OK with bisoprolol

Certain medications can interact with grapefruit — but bisoprolol isn’t one of them. You can safely enjoy grapefruit and grapefruit juice while you’re taking bisoprolol, assuming it doesn’t interfere with any other medications you take.

Unlike some other blood pressure medications, bisoprolol doesn’t have a significant effect on potassium levels. So you don’t need to worry about limiting bananas or other potassium-rich foods with bisoprolol. That being said, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare team to make sure potassium won’t cause an issue with your other medications.

2. It doesn’t matter what time you take bisoprolol as long as you’re consistent

You can take bisoprolol at any time of day, but it’s best to be consistent. Taking bisoprolol around the same time every day helps maintain a steady level of the medication in your body.

If you’re having trouble remembering to take your medication, try placing the bottle somewhere you’re sure to see it. You can also try setting an alarm or using a medication reminder app.

3. You shouldn’t stop taking bisoprolol on your own

Abruptly stopping bisoprolol (or missing multiple doses in a row) can be dangerous to your health. Doing so can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms, such as chest pain, increased heart rate and blood pressure, or even a heart attack.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Starting a beta blocker? Here are some things you should know to help you get the most from your medication.

• Bisoprolol side effects: Learn about common and rare bisoprolol side effects, how to manage them, and when to seek medical care.

• Beta blockers and weight gain: Read about weight gain while taking beta blockers and how you can help prevent it.

If bisoprolol is causing side effects, talk to your healthcare team about ways to manage them. If they determine it’s best for you to stop taking bisoprolol, they’ll guide you through lowering your dose over time and stopping it safely. 

4. Melatonin may help if bisoprolol causes sleep troubles

Beta blockers may lead to sleep disturbances, including vivid dreams or nightmares. Bisoprolol is less likely to cause this side effect than other beta blockers, but it’s still possible.

These sleep issues may happen because beta blockers can lower melatonin levels in the body. Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep. Taking a melatonin supplement before bedtime may help counteract this effect and reduce sleep issues caused by bisoprolol.

5. There are ways to manage fatigue from bisoprolol

Since beta blockers slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, they often cause fatigue. You may feel weak or more tired than usual, especially when you first start taking bisoprolol or increase your dose. 

Fatigue may improve over time as your body adjusts to taking bisoprolol. But it can persist for some people. Taking some simple steps can help lessen fatigue and give you an energy boost. These include:

• Make sure you’re getting quality sleep.

• Exercise regularly — even if you’re feeling tired.

• Avoid “empty calories” (such as ultra-processed, sugary, and fried foods) and make healthy food choices.

• Maintain a healthy body weight.

If fatigue becomes overwhelming or doesn’t improve, talk to your prescriber. They can help determine what’s causing or contributing to your fatigue. In some cases, they may adjust your dosage or suggest a different blood pressure medication.

Tips for saving on bisoprolol

There are ways to save on bisoprolol, which is only available as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save up to 50% off the cost of generic bisoprolol. The cost of a 30-day supply of bisoprolol is as low as $9.00 at certain pharmacies with a free GoodRx discount.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Patricia Weiser, PharmD

Patricia has 16 years of pharmacist experience. She previously held positions as a community pharmacist, pharmacy manager, and hospital pharmacist.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Ferras Bashqoy, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPPS

Ferras Bashqoy, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPPS, is a clinical pharmacotherapy specialist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital in New York City. His favorite part of the job is working with preterm newborns because they are strong and mighty despite their size.

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