Severe all over itching, like bites and stings

[Malj]

On bisoprolol, losartan and diuretics for heart failure, can't sleep at night for stabbing like itching, never stops. Is it likely to be bisoprolol causing this, any suggestions for alternative beta-blocker?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Poor old Bisoprolol gets blamed for nearly everything. I think the first drug to be looked at are your diuretics. By there nature they can cause dry skin and itching. This can be worse in winter with central heating and its dry heat aggregating the problem.

[shopman]

Get a decent non-allergenic moisturiser - E45 Lotion for example - and use it liberally. I agree with what MichaelJH says particularly if it is Furosemide.

[Celtic]

Malj, Losartan combined with Doxazosin caused a similar reaction in me to the point where I was scratching from my scalp to my toes to the point of bleeding overnight. I both sympathise and empathise with this awful side effect. A skin biopsy pointed to one of the drugs being the cause. The Losartan was felt to be more the more likely cause by the dermatologist but as I had been on that for a few years without problem, I felt it was either the Doxazosin or a combination of the two meds. I stopped the Doxazosin and the itching resolved. However, when I doubled the Losartan dose to 100mg daily the itching returned so I reduced back down to 50mg. I have very recently started Bisoprolol for a sudden heart problem, and also again returned to 100mg Losartan - so far so good. I find Dermol 500 to be the best product for an itchy skin, also E45 Itch Relief Cream. I actually use Dermol both in the shower and afterwards as a moisturiser. But you really need to get to the bottom of the cause in your case. There are alternatives to Bisoprolol, including Atenolol, but different conditions tend to dictate different beta blockers.

[Malj]

Thank you all, have tried all the creams mentioned and trying to alter medication to see if that helps

[Henry20]

Have you seen a doctor? Has your skin colour changed? Has it gone a sort of yellowy colour? That is do you look jaundiced? Its just a guess on my part, I'm no doctor, but you need to see one urgently and ask for your bilirubin levels to be checked. It sounds to me as if your pills have caused a reaction in your liver. If this is correct you need other treatments urgently, as it is a serious condition. You can help yourself a bit by cutting out ALL fats of any type from your diet immediately, (including anything containing fat, seek dietary advice, but red meats are forbidden); so you'll be eating largely vegetables. You'll loose weight and recovery will take time.

There may well be other reasons for your symptoms, as this is a long range GUESS. See a doctor as soon as possible (don't accept a delay) and ask. Good luck

[Malj in reply to Henry20]

Thank you.

[Lynn1966]

I had this about 2 wks after my HA.. I was itching but mainly my head ,back and neck.. my face flared up and was dry itchy and very red... doctors took me off ramipril and gave me some cream. Within in two days it all calmed down. hope you get this soreted as I know it can drive you crazy x

[LHDLondon]

I agree with Michael. Whilst Bisoprolol dosage needs to be monitored for other symptoms (dizzines, slow heart rate), it’s mire likely to be the diuretic. See if you can change. Don’t reduce dosage on your own though as they’re likely there to reduce fluid retention and avoid/reduce heart failure. Please consult your GP

[jimmyq]

Bisoprolol caused me itchiness, but not as severe as yours. Since I cam off it the itching has reduced. It's just my fleas now!

[Hometerry]

I had issues with my meds for several months but did improve after time.