Non Allergic Rhinitis when taking Bisoprolol

[Clematis58]

I would really like to hear from other members if they have suffered with the above whilst taking Bisoprolol.

I’ve now been taking 1.25mg daily coming up to one year on the 1st March.

Over the last week or so I’ve been experiencing extremely sensitive eyes, stuffy/runny nose starting from mid morning until early evening! I’m fine when I first wake up but these symptoms gradually get worse as the day goes on.

I have never had or suffered with hay fever or allergic reactions before.

It got so bad yesterday that I took an antihistamine but unfortunately it made me so tired ( I felt like a zombie!!).

Though, in hindsight I should of checked if it was non drowsy? ( suspect it wasn’t).

I am going to have a chat with the pharmacist for his recommendation of a suitable antihistamine - fingers crossed 🤞🏻.

[pd63]

I'm on bisoprolol 5mg and since starting it I get a runny nose, particularly bad if I don't use a nose clip when I go swimming

[BobD Volunteer]

certirizine works for me.

[Ppiman]

I have read that there are both beta 1 and beta 2 receptors on the cell surfaces in many muscles within the body as well as in the heart (beta-1). They are even in the nose (i.e. the nasal mucosa and lungs, but as beta-2), and that might be why you are suffering. Bisoprolol is a highly specific beta-blocker which generally blocks only beta-1 receptors, but not exclusively, I gather, which is why some people with asthma cannot tolerate it, and why you are likely suffering.

I developed really uncomfortable nasal stuffiness (although I am prone to catarrh) after taking a different drug, one called doxazosin, for urinary difficulties. This is an alpha-blocker. I coped but I've read that many people don't and give up taking the drug. I find that the symptoms are much more troublesome at night, bringing me to have to breathe through my mouth and even to snore more easily.

There are several different beta-blocking drugs available. One is called nebivolol and I've read that that is also highly specific and works somewhat differently. You might ask your doctor if that or a different one would be better.

Steve

[Clematis58 in reply to Ppiman]

Thank you so much Steve for your detailed reply. I will use this in discussion with my GP.

Take care 😊

[Ppiman in reply to Clematis58]

I hope you find an answer. It’s such an annoying problem.

Steve

[frazeej in reply to Ppiman]

Ah yes, the old beta-1/beta-2 selectivity quandary, the reason many of us on beta blockers get out of breath with exercise! Even though exact numbers for comparison are difficult to find, nebivolol appears to be the most selective to date. As you mention, it also has other interesting and useful effects. I'm going to ask my cardioguy about it next month; I've been on increasing doses of atenolol for years, and this selectivity issue is getting burdensome. Thanks for the pointer, Steve, and I'm attaching an abstract from a reputable journal on nebivolol.

go.drugbank.com/articles/A1...

[Ppiman in reply to frazeej]

Thanks for such a lovely reply. I look forward to reading that paper. I recently read that nebivolol is rather less selective and perhaps a bit more prone to side effects compared with bisoprolol because of the different way it works - which surprised me. Reading around these things, it always amazes me just how complex their action is.

Steve

[bigbearatthecave]

Hello, ever since I have been on Bisoprolol I have had gritty eyes, a muggy head, and feeling dozy. I am on 2.5 mg - used to be 1.25 mg but got the occasional PAF so went to 2.5 mg. Not a fan. Feels like year-round sinusitis. The Doctor shows no interest like all UK Doctors with AFib. Be careful which antihistamines you use as they will affect your AFib. Benadryl contains Diphenhydramine which affects Afib and Piriton contains cetirizine hydrochloride. which does not affect you but is not as effective.

[Ppiman in reply to bigbearatthecave]

Piriton is a sedating antihistamine called, originally, chlorpheniramine and was first sold many decades ago. It’s a well tolerated and strong antihistamine but can cause drowsiness in some people. Have the manufacturers introduced a different non-sedating version with the newer drug, cetirizine? That would be confusing as Piriton is so well known.

Steve

[Canale in reply to bigbearatthecave]

This is the same for me. I was diagnosed with non-allergic rhinitis years ago. Since starting the Bisoprolol this time round with AFib I have had these symptoms and others. Took an antihistamine and I feel like a film has lifted off me. I have mentioned this to lots of healthcare pros - private and public - zero insight.

[Bushpilot]

Thanks for posting this. I just realized that my nose that is valiantly attempting to acquire Olympic level rhinitis qualification is more likely due to Bisoprolol, rather than my original suspicion of my Philips BIPAP machine having a meltdown while I was using it.