Alcohol with Bisoprolol

[DazzyB]

Hello.

Is it ok/safe to have one pint of lager with dinner whilst taking Bisoprolol.

Thanks

Darren

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

The NHS site says this as regards alcohol:-

Drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of bisoprolol, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

During the first few days of taking bisoprolol or after an increase in your dose, it's best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine affects you.

If you find bisoprolol makes you feel dizzy, it's best to stop drinking alcohol.

[DazzyB in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

Yeah cheers. Just going away with wife and daughter in hotel and thought should I risk a pint with dinner. I guess i'll not.

Best Wishes

Darren

[Gail1967]

I drink with bisoprolol- hadn’t thought there may be a prob. Not a big drinker but have no bad effect with it

[NorthantsSteve]

How long have you been taking it DazzyB? I stopped drinking alcohol for ages (but mainly because I felt I had a hangover every morning from the meds). Have the odd glass of wine or G&T when I fancy it now and I’m on bisoprolol. Good message from SotF.

[DazzyB]

Im on day 9 of taking Bisoprolol. I went to a different pharmacy to get my next batch in and they are a totally different brand from the ones im taking currently.

Pharmacist said it makes no difference about the brand

[SpiritoftheFloyd in reply to DazzyB]

No the brand will make no difference, the composition of the medicine will be exactly the same, it's just a case of supply and what's available

[LaceyLady in reply to DazzyB]

You'll find every time you get a new prescription, you'll get a different brand! At first, I tried to get the same brand so I could see how it affected me, yes I know it is said that all is the same, but I don't believe that. I have seen some are affected.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to LaceyLady]

Whilst the active ingredient is the same there can be variations in fillers, pigments and preservatives - in fact generics must not look identical to the original drug. I have had issues with a generic Lisinopril and a friend's wife with a generic Atenolol. So generics are the same but different! Makes me sound like a politician!

[NorthantsSteve in reply to DazzyB]

You’ll have to weigh it up for yourself DazzyB. There are forum members who like wine, G&T, or a Peperami, or who still smoke (you know who you are 🥴). If I were in your shoes and feeling otherwise OK I’d chance a half with my meal if it was a special occasion. But then I’ve got a particular view on life after my heart attack.

[hf54 in reply to DazzyB]

thats correct

[LaceyLady]

Well, I've been on Bisoprolol and Flecainaide since last June 2019. Yes, I have drunk wine, cider and odd G&T. I do not think I have had any side effect. I don't drink a lot and in fact very little in comparison to many, but I do like wine. I see some say 'use wine/alcohol' but I don't USE it, I enjoy it.

well, went to the surgery yesterday to have an ECG, bearing in mind I have had NO calls/messages to come in for a check ever! All due to me wanting information about A Fib, the dr I had is a locum, because mine left before Christmas. Well, nurse asked do you drink, then proceeded to read me the riot act! There is conflicting advice on the internet. I have seen posts where the person quite frankly has had a good time, but to me, rather far too much alcohol for someone with a heart problem. If the alcohol made me feel bad or a very negative effect, one would sadly have to give up I don't smoke, take any recreational drugs, just enjoy wine and odd spirits

[shopman]

Alcohol and medication affect different people in different ways but I suppose the correct message is in moderation. At the same time there are some very good 0% beers available now that taste like the real thing but without the kick - Heineken & Becks Blue spring to mind (says he part way through a bottle of Henry Weston Vintage Cider). Can't say I'm struck on 0% wines though.

[Thecyclist]

I think you'll be fine with a pint Darren. I am on 10mg which is max dose and have the odd couple of beers, told my consultant and she said no problem unless I have any adverse effects. I haven't had any on the Bisoprolol. I started off with a half first and and then a pint the next time. As said in moderation is the key. I don't drink anywhere near as much as did , and don't miss it, bit nice to have the odd beer. Try a half and see how you feel.

[cowparsley]

Have your pint Dazzy.I`ve been on bisoprolol for years and still enjoy a drink.No one warned me I shouldn`t and I`m always fine (unless I overdo it) Have a great time.

[DazzyB in reply to cowparsley]

Cheers mate. Love your positive energy. Just what I need right now with my anxiety through the roof .

Best Wishes

Darren

[gladliz]

I'm also on highest does of bisoprolol together with ramipril and doxozosin. Have not had a problem with alcohol but am a v. moderate drinker these days. Like real ale but go for lower % brews and only drink a couple of pints at the most over an evening. Go for weeks without, it depends on social occasions. It's what works for you, have a half or 2 and see if you have any adverse effects. Hope you enjoy your evening.

[hf54]

One possible way forward for all of us would be to drink the pint of lager and then measure blood pressure.even better start at half a pint.please bear in mind that if you dosage is increased the effect may be greater.

[Wizard_of_Oz]

Hi DazzyB,

I have been in 2.5mg of bisoprolol for 8 weeks now and am having a couple of pints with no issue. May feel a little more tired than before, but quite nice in the evening on holiday 😄. Enjoy yourself!

[Hidden]

Cut out alcohol all together after ending up in hospital whilst on holiday after a few drinks. Now stick to the zero alcohol Erdinger and Guinness at social gatherings.