Betapro 5 mg Tablet — Bisoprolol Fumarate by Beximco Pharmaceuticals

Betapro 5 mg Tablet — Bisoprolol Fumarate | Beximco Pharmaceuticals

Overview

Betapro 5 mg Tablet contains Bisoprolol Fumarate 5 mg, manufactured by Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. The 5 mg dose is the standard starting or maintenance dose of Bisoprolol for hypertension, stable angina, and step-up therapy in heart failure. As one of the most cardioselective beta-blockers available, Bisoprolol at 5 mg provides effective heart rate and blood pressure reduction while maintaining a favourable safety profile in patients with mild respiratory disease, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes — conditions common in Bangladesh's hypertensive population.

Indications

• Hypertension — standard starting or maintenance dose
• Stable Chronic Heart Failure (HFrEF) — maintenance phase after titration from 2.5 mg
• Stable Angina Pectoris — reduces exercise heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand
• Atrial Fibrillation (Ventricular Rate Control) — once-daily rate control
• Hypertension with T2DM — cardioselective; preferred over atenolol in diabetic patients

Key Benefits

• Highly cardioselective (beta-1:beta-2 selectivity ratio ~75:1) — safest beta-blocker for diabetic and respiratory patients
• Effective once-daily dosing
• Proven mortality benefit in heart failure (CIBIS-II, MERIT-HF comparable compound)
• Minimal effect on blood glucose, lipids, and bronchial smooth muscle
• Reduces resting and exercise heart rate — reduces anginal episodes
• Manufactured under WHO-GMP standards by Beximco Pharmaceuticals

Pharmacology

At 5 mg, Bisoprolol achieves clinically significant beta-1 receptor blockade: heart rate at rest is typically reduced by 10–15 bpm, and systolic blood pressure falls by 10–15 mmHg. The drug's high lipophilicity allows good tissue penetration, with prolonged cardiac effects. Unlike propranolol or atenolol, Bisoprolol's exceptional cardioselectivity means that at 5 mg, beta-2 receptor-mediated bronchodilation is minimally affected — an important advantage in diabetic patients with coexisting COPD or metabolic syndrome. Bisoprolol also has mild anti-renin activity, contributing to its antihypertensive effect.

Dosage & Administration

Take once daily in the morning, with or without food. Never discontinue abruptly.

Special Populations

• Diabetic Patients: Bisoprolol 5 mg is preferred over atenolol in T2DM. Its high cardioselectivity causes less glucose metabolism interference. Still monitor for blunted hypoglycaemia symptoms if on insulin/sulfonylureas.
• Elderly: Effective at 5 mg; monitor heart rate and blood pressure. Reduce dose to 2.5 mg if poorly tolerated.
• Renal Impairment (eGFR <20): Do not exceed 10 mg daily.
• Hepatic Impairment: Caution — reduce dose if significant liver disease.
• Mild Asthma/COPD: Bisoprolol 5 mg is relatively safe; start cautiously and monitor for bronchospasm.

Contraindications

• Decompensated heart failure requiring IV inotropes
• Cardiogenic shock; 2nd/3rd degree AV block; sick sinus syndrome
• Severe bradycardia (<50 bpm) or severe hypotension
• Severe bronchial asthma or severe COPD
• Phaeochromocytoma (untreated)
• Hypersensitivity to Bisoprolol

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

Common: Bradycardia, fatigue, dizziness, cold hands/feet, headache, diarrhoea, nausea.

Uncommon: Sleep disturbance, nightmares, depression, muscle cramps, bronchospasm (mild).

Rare: AV block, severe hypotension, psoriasiform reactions, Raynaud's phenomenon.

Storage

• Below 30°C, protected from moisture and sunlight. Keep in original blister. Out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Betapro 5 mg used for?
Betapro 5 mg (Bisoprolol Fumarate) is used for high blood pressure (hypertension), stable heart failure, stable angina, and rate control in atrial fibrillation. It lowers heart rate and blood pressure by selectively blocking beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart.

Q2: How is Bisoprolol (Betapro) different from Atenolol (Tenormin)?
Both are beta-1 selective blockers, but Bisoprolol has much higher cardioselectivity (75:1 ratio vs atenolol's ~35:1). This makes Bisoprolol safer in patients with respiratory conditions, metabolic syndrome, and T2DM. Bisoprolol also has once-daily dosing flexibility throughout the day; atenolol's shorter half-life can cause more variation. For heart failure, Bisoprolol has proven mortality benefit (atenolol does not).

Q3: Can T2DM patients take Betapro 5 mg safely?
Yes — Bisoprolol is the preferred beta-blocker for T2DM patients needing a beta-blocker. Its high cardioselectivity means it interferes less with glucose metabolism and masking of hypoglycaemia than less selective beta-blockers. Still, monitor blood glucose regularly if on insulin or sulfonylureas.

Q4: What if I forget a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose — in that case, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Never double-dose. Do not stop taking Betapro suddenly.

Q5: Is Betapro 5 mg prescription-only?
Yes — Rx medicine. Valid physician prescription required. Upload it when ordering from DiabetesStore.com.bd.

Medical Disclaimer: Educational purposes only. Always consult a registered physician or pharmacist before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.