FOCUS ON BISOPROLOL

Bisoprolol is a highly selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocking a gent that provides 24-hour blood pressure control with once daily dosi ng. Although the drug was recently approved by the FDA only for the tr eatment of hypertension, it appears to be safe and effective for the t reatment of both hypertension and angina according to published studie s. Adverse effects associated with bisoprolol's use are primarily rela ted to its beta blocking and electrophysiologic properties and include fatigue, bradycardia, hypotension, headache, cold extremities, and di zziness. The drug has minimal effects on lipids, although elevations i n triglycerides have been reported. Bisoprolol does not appear to adve rsely affect patients' quality of life, unlike noncardioselective beta blockers. If competitively priced, bisoprolol may provide an excellen t alternative to beta-adrenergic blocking agents already on the formul ary.