Key takeaways
Bisoprolol (bisoprolol fumarate) and nebivolol (Bystolic) are both beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure, but they have some differences. Bisoprolol is a cardioselective beta blocker, meaning it mainly targets the heart and is less likely to cause breathing problems compared to non-selective beta blockers. Nebivolol, on the other hand, not only slows down the heart rate but also relaxes blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure further. While both medications are taken once daily, bisoprolol is available only as a generic, whereas nebivolol is available as both a brand name (Bystolic) and a generic. Nebivolol is less likely to cause erectile dysfunction and weight gain compared to other beta blockers, including bisoprolol. Both medications can cause dizziness and tiredness, and you should avoid alcohol while taking them to prevent worsening these side effects. Additionally, neither medication should be stopped suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider, as this can lead to serious heart problems.
