blocked nose with bisoprolol

[Electricblue1]

hi all, does anyone else get blocked nose with bisoprolol 2.5 mg , my nose now has been blocked for 4 weeks and it’s driving me crazy. I can’t take decongestant as it affects the heart, I’m on homeopathic nasal spray but it’s not doing much. Would love to hear if anyone else gets this and is there something I can do to get rid of it or should I change my meds.

[jeanjeannie50]

I take 1 x 2.5mg of Bisoprolol twice daily, blocked nose - no - mine is forever running and did before I started taking this drug.

Jean

[Tapanac in reply to jeanjeannie50]

yes always a tissue in my hand

[Afbiff]

I have been suffering with a blocked nose for three months now, never had this before and would love to know how to get rid of it! I've taken 1.25 bisoprolol daily for three years and I don't think it's the cause. I've tried salt rinses daily, which help a little and feel good, but I'm reluctant to try decongestants. Anyone got any suggestions?

[Ppiman]

I suffer with blocked nose but not caused by bisoprolol, although that might have worsened it. It's a terribly difficult condition to deal with as it badly affects sleeping. If you find an answer, please post! The sprays all seem useless, as you suggest.

It could well be the bisoprolol in your case as it seems there are beta receptors in many other parts of the body than the heart. Bisoprolol is one of the most specific of the beta-blockers, but it might be worth asking to switch to, say, a calcium-channel drug instead, which work differently and achieve the same effect on the heart.

I also suspect the prevalence of viral coughs and colds following covid and the lockdown hasn't helped as I never know whether I have a cold or just sinus troubles.

Steve

[Electricblue1 in reply to Ppiman]

I’ve always had sinus problems and been on bisoprolol for a while so I’m hoping it’s not that and that it’s just something setting it off. I’ve had some good results with homeopathic medicine before and am on a nasal spray but it’s too soon to say if it’s working yet.

[frazeej]

Blocked nose = uneven breathing pattern = increased possibility of Afib episode.

Afrin spray works, with no heart issues. Generic (0.05% oxymetazoline hydrochloride) is much cheaper and available everywhere.

[Electricblue1 in reply to frazeej]

I’ve not heard of that before , I assume it’s safe with AFIB. I will try it thank you.

[Ppiman]

It's been reported as a cause of AF, as have all the decongestants, so proceed with caution!

mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

Steve

[frazeej in reply to Ppiman]

The article cited is a case study (n=1) and referred to a different decongestant, tramazoline. In the references included with that article, reference #5 is the only one that specifically mentions oxymetazoline (Afrin), and it cites potential hypertension as a clinically important (although rare) side effect, and the thrust of the article cites particular danger to children under age 6. Afrin specifically excludes this patient population on their patient insert. To the best of my limited knowledge, Afrin has negligible ß-agonist activity, activity which is why many decongestants should be shunned by cardiac patients (tachycardia). IN MY OPINION, I think the benefits of Afrin for QOL outweigh the very, very small risk of a hypertensive crisis.

[Ppiman in reply to frazeej]

I think you are right and would suspect it is perfectly safe in the small amounts used in nasal sprays, but decongestants are generally considered unsafe for people with heart issues including arrhythmias.

There are many articles on the internet concerning this. This is another:

revportcardiol.org/en-nonst....

Steve

[Lonelytraveller]

Hi Electricblue1,

Have been on Bisoprolol 2.5 mg almost for a year now. My nose is congested from time to time but this has been the case all along. I agree with others, congestion does not seem to be related, at least this is my take. I hope you get some relief soon.