Nebivolol is a medication prescribed to manage high blood pressure (hypertension). It belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers. High blood pressure can increase the workload on the heart and arteries, potentially leading to serious health issues like heart failure, stroke, or kidney damage if left uncontrolled. By helping to lower blood pressure, nebivolol contributes to reducing these risks and supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Standard Starting Dosage
For most adults with high blood pressure, the typical initial dosage of nebivolol is 5 milligrams (mg) taken once daily. This low starting dose allows healthcare providers to assess how an individual responds to the medication and minimize potential side effects.
This initial 5 mg dose can be prescribed either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other blood pressure-lowering medications. The goal is to achieve a gradual and controlled reduction in blood pressure, which is generally more effective and safer than rapid changes.
Adjusting Your Nebivolol Dose
After initiating nebivolol therapy, a healthcare provider will typically monitor the patient’s blood pressure response and overall tolerance to the medication. If the initial 5 mg dose does not adequately control blood pressure, the dosage can be gradually increased. These adjustments are usually made at intervals of two weeks, allowing sufficient time to observe the effects of each dose increment.
The maximum recommended daily dose for nebivolol in adults with hypertension is 40 mg once daily. Dose adjustments also consider individual patient factors. For instance, patients with severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) should start with a lower dose of 2.5 mg once daily. Individuals with moderate liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class B) are also typically started on 2.5 mg daily. Nebivolol is not recommended for those with severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class C). Elderly patients, particularly those 70 years and older, may also begin with a lower starting dose of 2.5 mg daily, with gradual increases if tolerated.
Important Instructions for Taking Nebivolol
Nebivolol is generally taken once daily, and consistency in timing is recommended to maintain stable blood levels of the medication. It can be taken with or without food, providing flexibility for the patient.
If a dose of nebivolol is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. It is important not to take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Patients should avoid abruptly stopping nebivolol, as this can worsen heart conditions or lead to a rebound increase in blood pressure. If discontinuation is necessary, the dosage should be gradually reduced over one to two weeks under the guidance of a healthcare provider.