What is biotalol and what is it for?

What is biotalol?

Biotalol is the trade name of abeta-adrenergic blocking drug in tablet form, distributed in Venezuela. Other trade names areZebeta, which serves exactly the same function as biotalol, as both contain the same compound.

Components

The main component of biotalol, and other drugs with a different brand name, isbisoprolol. This is abeta-adrenergic blocking drug. But what does this mean?

On the surface of the cells of our heart, arteries, liver, reproductive system, pancreas, thyroid and much more, are receptor proteins calledbeta-1 and 2 adrenergic receptors.

Theseadrenergic receptorsbind with neurotransmitters and other hormones, released by the fibers of the autonomic nervous system, to carry out functions, such as raising blood pressure, the number of heartbeats, and so on.

Note: Beta-blockers are antagonists. It means that the drug binds to the receptors to prevent the above substances from binding to them and exerting their function.

Presentations and dosage

Biotalol comes in an oral presentation as 2.5 mg tablets , although its main component, bisoprolol, also exists in 5 and up to 10 mg tablets.

Its consumption should not exceed 10 mg per day. Otherwise, adverse effects may arise. The dose varies according to the age of the patients and their general health conditions.

However, Consult your doctor of choice about any questions you have about the side effects of bisoprolol.

Note: To avoid any irritation of the digestive tract when taking the tablets, we recommend drinking enough liquid before and after taking it.

What is biotalol indicated for?

Biotalol is a targeted drug, generally, to alleviate symptoms of the cardiovascular systemtag. Next, we will explain some of its most common uses.

Arterial hypertension

Arterial hypertension is the result of an Imbalance between the forces that constrict the arteriesand those that dilate them. These forces are hormonal, cardiovascular and nervous.

Noteworthy: The exact molecular mechanisms of beta-blockers are unknown, but their effects are to slow heart rate(i.e., the number of heartbeats per minute) and inhibit hormones such as renin and angiotensin II.

These two work by constricting the arteries and increasing fluid retention in the body , which raises blood pressure.

It should be noted that arterial hypertension is a risk factor for arteriosclerosis, the most frequent cause of angina pectoris and heart failure.

Heart failure

Simply put, heart failure is the inability of the heart to pump enough blood (and oxygen) to all the body’s tissues to meet their demands.

It is the end point of many heart diseases. What biotalol achieves is topartially restore the ability of the left ventricle to eject blood into the arteries.

By reducing cardiac output, it gives the heart more time to fill with more blood,so the left ventricle pumps more blood. It also reduces the oxygen demand of the heart and reduces oxidative stress.

Note:Not all patients with heart failure should be treated with beta-blockers immediately, as we will see later. Each case must be analyzed individually by the doctor to determine if the risk is necessary.

Angina pectoris

It is the well-known chest pain that certain people experience after making some physical effort or even when they are at rest.

It’s because the heart doesn’t get enough oxygento feed itself and the tissue begins to fail (a process called ischemia). The physician seeks to decrease the extent of ischemic damage.

By reducing oxygen demand and stress on the heart, less tissue will die. Also, sincebiotalol lowers blood pressure, the heart will not need as much force to supply blood to other tissues.

Note: Biotalol is used to treat acute myocardial infarction , for its long-term treatment, and other heart diseases, in order to prevent future heart attacks and improve patient survival.

Biotalol contraindications

There are absolute and non-absolute contraindications. The latter are those situations where the doctor considers that possible beneficial effects may outweigh the risks of adverse effects, although this does not apply to all cases. Next, we will explain some.

Allergy to components

Important: In a study published in the journal Immunology and allergy clinics of North America , it was observed that hypersensitivity reactions to these drugs only represent 2.4% of every 1000 patients. (1)

Acute Heart Problems

Since biotalol reduces heart rate and blood pressure, it cannot be given to patients with severe bradycardia and/or symptomatic hypotension or severe decompensated heart failure.

Those with acute heart failure should be stabilized first , before starting low-dose medication and then gradually increasing the dose (if the person shows no adverse effects).

Important: Its effects on other conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (abnormal overgrowth of the heart muscle), sinus bradycardia, second-degree atrioventricular blocks, and others, have also not been established.

Lung, liver and kidney diseases

The liver and kidneys are the main organs responsible for the metabolization and excretion of a drug,preventing it from accumulating in the tissues and producing a toxic effect. This is common in severe cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease.

Therefore, the doctor prescribes lower doses of biotalol in patients with these conditions.

Note: For best results and to avoid serious problems, avoid drinking while taking biotalol, as alcohol reduces the liver’s ability to absorb the medication.

Avoid combining with other medications

Medications used to treat high cholesterol(EG, Colestipol and Cholestyramine)decrease the absorption of biotalol. Others, such as phenobarbital (anticonvulsant) reduce its life time in the body.

Biotalol can have an antagonistic role if it is mixed with antidiabetic medicine, such as hypoglycemic agents.

Therefore, it is recommended that patients check with their doctor of preference to clarify any doubt or seek medical attention if they present adverse symptoms.

Note: Should not be taken by individuals taking drugs to treat arrhythmias or other antihypertensive agents, as their additive effect may dangerously reduce cardiac function.

It is not indicated for children

In children, heart disease is, in most cases, congenital. Therefore,their treatment is different from that of adultstag. Its main and side effects could be different.

To highlight: A recent study, published by the Cochrane magazine , affirms that more evidence and studies are still needed to confirm the effects of beta-blockers (such as bisoprolol) in children. (two)

Do not administer during pregnancy and lactation

Any drug administered to a pregnant woman can cross the placenta and reach the fetus. Therefore, its use is not recommended unless it is considered strictly necessary.

If the patient shows Adverse effects after a few days, the doctor should discontinue the treatment. It is also not known whether the mother can excrete the drug through breast milk, so it is not recommended during lactation.

Biotalol Adverse Reactions

Biotalol is generally well tolerated, but Adverse effects can occur, which vary in severity. Next, we will explain some.

extreme fatigue

Certain beta-blockers (such as biotalol) Can pass more easily into nervous tissue, affecting its transmission. It can also be due to reduced blood flow to the muscles.

Note: Fatigue can also be a symptom of metabolic acidosis , which can be induced by certain medications at certain doses, such as beta-blockers.

Upset stomach

Some possible symptoms of overdose or simply an adverse reaction to the drug are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipationtag. See a doctor if you have experienced these symptoms shortly after starting treatment with biotalol.

Headache and muscle

Biotalol on the central nervous system is also possible, in addition to these pains, claudication of the lower limbs may also occur (i.e. difficulty walking or tingling sensation in these).

Bradycardia and hypotension

If you have a slower than normal heart rate, you should tell your doctor before he or she prescribes biotalol or another beta-blocker.

Note: The additive effect of these medications can cause your heart rate to slow too much, leading to hypotension, bradycardia, paleness, and a feeling of weakness.

Runny nose

In certain patients, a non-allergic rhinitis can occur, where there is abundant nasal discharge and even nasal obstruction.

The mechanism is unknown, but it is possibly due to dilation of the blood vessels in the nasal cavity. It can be caused by adverse effects of drugs, such as ibuprofen, antihypertensives (such as biotalol) and aspirin. If you have these, or any other symptoms,seek medical attention immediately.

Key Findings

• Biotalol contains bisoprolol, a beta-blocker used to treat acute heart attack, stable heart failure, and high blood pressure.
• If the person presents pathologies such as decompensated heart failure, severe asthma or COPD, the use of biotalol is not recommended.
• Its use is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
• Some Adverse effects are hypotension, bradycardia, a feeling of general weakness, nausea, and others.