Bisoprolol and Diarrhea as a side effect

Treatment and medication
1

Hi all,

​I started taking ​​Bisoprolol around 3 weeks ago for a combination of high blood pressure and Atrial Flutter and I've managed with some of the normal side effects (tiredness and cold feet mainly). I've also cut my calorie intake during this time and am back in the gym (no idea if relevant but I'm telling everyone!)

​However over the last few days I've also started to suffer from loose stools/diarrhea (although not in the 'usual' way - I'm not rushing off to the toilet several times a day unable to hold it - once a day I have a sense I need to go and once I've ambled to my chosen location it occurs)

​I know that diarrhea is a side effect of Beta Blockers but I'm wondering if it's normal to take this long to present or if its unconnected?

​Thanks in advance

​Dave

2

Hi there, I was on Bisoprolol for 2 years and used to experience diarrhea now and then but it always stopped after a day or so.  I then discontinued it as I had anxiety issues and the doc put me on Propranolol, another beta blocker. After about 3 weeks on that I had diarrhea for nearly 4 weeks. I then went back on a lighter dose of Bisoprolol and the diarrhea stopped almost immediately. Probably by now you will have sorted it out one way or another (I hope so) 

3

Just increased to 2.5mg and having diarrhoea during the day. Hoping it's not an ongoing thing as every hypertension med i've tried causes this as soon as it starts to work, even though the mechanism of action is different