From the Guidelines
Bystolic is the brand name of nebivolol in the United States. Nebivolol is a beta-blocker medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by blocking certain receptors in the heart and blood vessels, which reduces heart rate and blood pressure. Unlike some other beta-blockers, nebivolol also promotes nitric oxide release, which helps dilate blood vessels, further contributing to blood pressure reduction. This dual mechanism makes it effective for hypertension management while potentially causing fewer side effects like fatigue or sexual dysfunction compared to older beta-blockers. Nebivolol is typically prescribed in doses ranging from 5-40 mg once daily, with most patients starting at 5 mg 1. In some countries outside the US, nebivolol may be marketed under other brand names such as Neblet or Nebilet. As with all blood pressure medications, patients should take it consistently at the same time each day and should not stop taking it suddenly without medical supervision.
Some key points to consider when prescribing nebivolol include:
- It is not recommended as a first-line agent unless the patient has ischemic heart disease (IHD) or heart failure (HF) 1.
- Nebivolol induces nitric oxide–induced vasodilation, which is beneficial for blood pressure reduction 1.
- Patients should avoid abrupt cessation of nebivolol to prevent rebound hypertension 1.
Overall, nebivolol is a valuable option for the management of hypertension, offering a unique mechanism of action that can provide benefits in terms of both efficacy and tolerability.
From the Research
Brand Name of Nebivolol
- The brand name of nebivolol is Bystolic 2
- Nebivolol is a third-generation beta-blocker used in the management of hypertension 3, 2, 4, 5, 6
- It is a cardioselective beta-blocker with vasodilating properties, neutral metabolic effects, and good tolerability 3, 2, 4, 5, 6
Key Characteristics of Nebivolol
- Highly selective beta(1)-receptor blocker 2, 4, 5, 6
- Causes peripheral vasodilation by increasing the production and release of nitric oxide and decreasing nitric oxide degradation 4
- Leads to decreases in systemic vascular resistance and large artery stiffness and possible reversal of endothelial dysfunction 4
- Effective in lowering blood pressure and has a favorable side-effect profile 2, 4, 5, 6