May I please ask if anyone has been taken off Bisoprolol and put on diliazem as a substitute for the former?
I have been taking Bisprolol 2.5 mg for many years. Following a stent in my coronary artery, Dr. decided to wean me off Bisoprolol and started me on diltiazem 60mg twice a dya.
I am having serious problem coming off Bisoprolol. Every time I reduce th dose of this drug, I get palpitation, increased heart rate, chest pain etc.
Could this be because the I am not taking high enough doasage of diltiazem? If that's the case, how much Diltiazem would equate to 2.5 mg Bisoprolol?
thanks
Sean
Hi Sean,
I have never been on Bisoprolol, so I'm probably not all that versed to answer your question completely, I am of the understanding that Bisoprolol is used for heart failure and to keep the heart beating regular.
I'm on a rather large does of diltiazem for Prinzmetal Angina and High blood pressure which has worked wonders for helping stop the spasms caused by Prinzmetal angina, I know from the consumer product sheet supplied by the Pharmacist that taking either of these drugs can interfere with the other.
Here is a list of cautions/side effects I came accross about Bisoprolol I will only list down to the concerned drug.
"The following medicines may interact with Bisoprolol fumarate:"
"adrenaline
amiodarone
amlodipine
clonidine
diltiazem"
Also I'm pretty sure it is the same with Diltiazem that you have to come off it slowly and side effects of it includes worsening of the existing codition(s). I would say that the Diltiazem is stronger than what you are/were taking on Bisoprolol, that's only guessing as I can't find an equation/conversion chart on these 2 drugs ....I.E 2.5mg of a certin drug Vs 60mg of another drug.
Did your Cardiologist put you on Bisoprolol ? I've never heard of i being used for Angina where I am, but of course I cold be wrong.
Hi Samuel
Many thanks for the reply
I can't rememberwho originally presribed the bisoprolol for me as it was along time ago.
Initially it was for bloodpressure and it did do the job quite well.
I have informed my doctor of the problems i aam having trying to come off this medication, and he has told me to go on it again.
I am still having palpitations.
Do u think this could be because of diltiazem?
Hi Sean,
I did a quick look on Bisoprolol and I wasn't aware that it was a Beta Blocker where as Cardizem is a Calcium Channel Blocker.
I can't see on my consumer information pamphlet about palpitations on Ditiazem...This would have to be a question for your Doctor or even your local Pharmacist..sorry I couldn't be much more help....