nebivolol hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Selective beta blocker with additional nitric-oxide-mediated vasodilating activity
Licensed uses
Essential hypertension; selected older people with stable mild or moderate chronic heart failure
Food
May be taken with or without food
Stopping treatment
Do not stop abruptly without prescriber advice, particularly when treating heart failure
What is nebivolol hydrochloride used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Treatment of essential hypertension.
Treatment of stable mild or moderate chronic heart failure, alongside standard therapies, in people aged 70 years or older.
How does nebivolol hydrochloride work?
Nebivolol selectively blocks beta-1 receptors, reducing heart rate and the heart's workload. It also interacts with the L-arginine–nitric oxide pathway, producing mild blood-vessel relaxation that contributes to lower vascular resistance and blood pressure.
nebivolol hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
How to take nebivolol hydrochloride
Take nebivolol exactly as prescribed. The tablet may be taken with or without food and is best swallowed with water.
If your prescribed amount requires the selected cross-scored tablet to be split, place it on a firm, flat surface with the score facing upwards and follow the pack leaflet's splitting instructions.
Tell an anaesthetist that you take nebivolol before an operation.
Do not stop treatment suddenly without discussing it with the prescriber.
nebivolol hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Tingling or unusual skin sensations
- Nausea, diarrhoea or constipation
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the hands, feet or ankles
- Slow heartbeat and dizziness are particularly frequent in people treated for chronic heart failure
Get urgent medical advice
- Rapid swelling around the lips, eyes or tongue, especially with breathing difficulty
- Wheezing, chest tightness or marked breathlessness
- Fainting or symptoms of a very slow heartbeat
- New or worsening breathlessness, ankle swelling or other signs of worsening heart failure
- A severe widespread allergic reaction
nebivolol hydrochloride in pregnancy
Nebivolol can be used in pregnancy when a doctor considers it necessary, but treatment should be reviewed promptly by the GP, obstetrician or relevant specialist. Fetal growth monitoring may be offered because beta blockers have been associated with smaller babies, and babies exposed near birth may need observation for a slow heart rate or low blood glucose. Do not stop treatment without professional advice.
nebivolol hydrochloride while breastfeeding
The selected product information advises against breastfeeding during nebivolol treatment. Specialist UK guidance says it may sometimes be used cautiously with infant monitoring, although labetalol, metoprolol or propranolol are preferred when clinically appropriate. Seek specialist advice, especially for a premature or unwell infant.
nebivolol hydrochloride interactions
Check prescriptions, non-prescription products and planned anaesthesia for interactions that may affect heart rate, conduction or blood pressure.
Verapamil or diltiazem
The combination may excessively reduce cardiac contractility, blood pressure or atrioventricular conduction; intravenous verapamil is particularly hazardous.
Antiarrhythmics such as flecainide, disopyramide, quinidine or amiodarone
Additive effects can slow cardiac conduction and reduce heart contractility.
Clonidine and other centrally acting antihypertensives
The combination may worsen bradycardia or heart failure, and poorly planned withdrawal can cause rebound hypertension.
Common questions about nebivolol hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is nebivolol hydrochloride used for?
It is licensed for essential hypertension and for stable mild or moderate chronic heart failure alongside standard therapy in people aged 70 years or older.
How does nebivolol hydrochloride lower blood pressure?
It selectively blocks cardiac beta receptors, slowing the heart, and also promotes mild nitric-oxide-mediated relaxation of blood vessels.
Can nebivolol hydrochloride be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.