Beta-Blocker Comparison Tool
Select a beta-blocker to see detailed information.
| Drug | Common Side Effects | Notable Side Effects |
|---|
| Drug | Brand Price (£/month) | Generic Price (£/month) |
|---|
When your doctor prescribes a beta‑blocker, the brand name can feel like a mystery. Zebeta is one of the more common choices in the UK, but it isn’t the only game in town. Below you’ll find a straight‑to‑the‑point comparison that lets you see how bisoprolol measures up against other popular beta‑blockers, when each one shines, and what to watch for if you consider switching.
What is Zebeta (Bisoprolol)?
Zebeta is the brand name for bisoprolol fumarate, a cardio‑selective beta‑1 blocker. It works by slowing the heart’s rhythm and lowering the force of each beat, which reduces blood pressure and eases the workload on the heart. First approved in the UK in 1995, Zebeta quickly became a go‑to for hypertension and stable chronic heart failure.
- Typical dose for hypertension: 5-10mg once daily.
- Typical dose for heart failure: 1.25-10mg once daily, titrated upward.
- Half‑life: about 10-12hours, allowing once‑daily dosing.
- Cardio‑selectivity: high - it preferentially blocks β1 receptors in the heart.
Because zebeta is selective, it causes fewer breathing problems in people with asthma compared with non‑selective blockers.
Other Beta‑Blockers Worth Knowing
Below are the most frequently prescribed alternatives. Each has its own set of strengths and trade‑offs.
Atenolol is a β1‑selective blocker that’s been on the market since the 1970s. It’s cheap and widely available, but its half‑life is shorter (6-7hours) and some patients report fatigue.
Metoprolol comes in two formulations: metoprolol tartrate (immediate‑release) and metoprolol succinate (extended‑release). It’s versatile for angina, hypertension, and heart failure, yet the extended‑release version can be pricier.
Carvedilol is a non‑selective blocker that also has α‑blocking activity, giving it a modest vasodilating effect. It shines in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, but the extra α‑blockade can cause dizziness.
Labetalol mixes β‑ and α‑blockade. It’s often used in hypertensive emergencies because it lowers both heart rate and vascular resistance, though you’ll usually need a hospital setting for dosing.
Nebivolol is a newer β1‑selective blocker that releases nitric oxide, giving it a mild vasodilatory effect. It’s marketed for hypertension and has a reputation for fewer sexual side‑effects, but it’s not yet first‑line in the NHS formulary.
Side‑Effect Landscape: How Do They Compare?
All beta‑blockers share common class effects - slower heart rate, reduced cardiac output, and possible fatigue. The degree of each side‑effect often hinges on selectivity, dose, and whether the drug also blocks α receptors.
| Drug | Most common | Less common but notable |
|---|---|---|
| Zebeta (bisoprolol) | Fatigue, mild dizziness, cold extremities | Bradycardia, shortness of breath (rare) |
| Atenolol | d>Fatigue, insomnia | Cold hands/feet, depression |
| Metoprolol | Dizziness, gastrointestinal upset | Bronchospasm (higher dose), sexual dysfunction |
| Carvedilol | Dizziness, fatigue, weight gain | Orthostatic hypotension, decreased glucose tolerance |
| Labetalol | Headache, dizziness | Liver enzyme elevation, hypotension |
| Nebivolol | Fatigue, headache | Palpitations (rare), nasopharyngitis |
Notice how the non‑selective agents (carvedilol, labetalol) have more blood‑pressure‑related side‑effects like orthostatic drops. If you’re prone to asthma, a highly cardio‑selective option like Zebeta or atenolol is safer.
Cost and NHS Availability
Cost matters, especially if you’re on a limited prescription budget. Below is a quick snapshot of typical UK pricing (based on NHS prescription charges and retail price averages in 2025).
| Drug | Brand price (per month) | Generic price (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Zebeta (bisoprolol) | £7.60 | £2.50 |
| Atenolol | £3.20 | £1.00 |
| Metoprolol succinate | £6.80 | £3.00 |
| Carvedilol | £5.40 | £2.20 |
| Labetalol | £4.90 | £2.00 |
| Nebivolol | £8.30 | £4.10 |
Generally, the older generics (atenolol, bisoprolol) are the cheapest. Newer agents like nebivolol can still be prescribed when their specific benefits outweigh the price difference.
When Might You Choose an Alternative?
- Asthma or COPD: Favor highly cardio‑selective drugs (Zebeta, atenolol) and avoid non‑selective blockers.
- Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF): Carvedilol or metoprolol succinate have the strongest evidence for mortality reduction.
- Hypertensive urgency: Labetalol’s rapid onset makes it useful in emergency settings.
- Concern about sexual side‑effects: Nebivolol may cause fewer erectile issues than classic β‑blockers.
- Cost constraints: Generic bisoprolol or atenolol keep expenses low.
Switching isn’t a free‑for‑all. Your clinician will look at your current dose, blood pressure targets, heart rate, and any comorbidities before making a change.
How to Switch Safely
- Discuss the reason for change with your GP or cardiologist. They’ll assess whether a 24‑hour wash‑out is needed.
- If moving from one β‑blocker to another, doses are usually cross‑titrated. For example, 5mg of bisoprolol roughly equals 50mg of atenolol.
- Monitor blood pressure and heart rate daily for the first week. Record any dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
- Schedule a follow‑up appointment within 2weeks to review labs (electrolytes, kidney function) and adjust the dose.
Never stop a beta‑blocker abruptly; sudden withdrawal can trigger rebound hypertension or arrhythmias.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
- Zebeta (bisoprolol): Highly cardio‑selective, once‑daily, good for asthma‑friendly hypertension.
- Atenolol: Cheapest, short half‑life, may cause fatigue.
- Metoprolol: Versatile, extended‑release version best for heart failure.
- Carvedilol: Best evidence for HFrEF, non‑selective with α‑blockade.
- Labetalol: Dual β/α blocker for emergencies, requires careful titration.
- Nebivolol: Newer, nitric‑oxide releasing, fewer sexual side‑effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Zebeta with other blood‑pressure meds?
Yes, it’s common to combine a beta‑blocker with an ACE‑inhibitor, calcium‑channel blocker, or diuretic to hit target blood pressure. Your doctor will tweak doses to avoid too‑low BP.
What should I do if I feel dizzy after switching from Zebeta to another blocker?
Sit or lie down, stay hydrated, and check your blood pressure. Contact your GP if dizziness persists beyond 48hours; they may lower the dose or adjust the timing.
Is bisoprolol safe during pregnancy?
Beta‑blockers cross the placenta. Bisoprolol is not first‑line in pregnancy; doctors often prefer labetalol if a beta‑blocker is needed. Always discuss risks with your obstetrician.
Why does my heart rate stay low after stopping Zebeta?
Beta‑blockers can have lingering effects, especially if you were on a high dose. It may take a few days for receptors to reset. If bradycardia continues, see your clinician.
Which beta‑blocker is best for someone with both hypertension and asthma?
A highly cardio‑selective drug like Zebeta (bisoprolol) or atenolol is preferred because they exert minimal effect on the β2 receptors in the lungs.
Herman Rochelle
October 10, 2025 AT 18:44Hey folks, just wanted to say that when you’re juggling a beta‑blocker like Zebras and thinking about switching, it helps to keep a simple log of your blood pressure, heart rate, and how you feel each day. That way you and your doc can see the trends clearly and make adjustments without guesswork. Consistency is key – stick to the same time each morning if you can.
Stanley Platt
October 11, 2025 AT 16:40Dear community members, I wish to extend my gratitude for the thorough comparative analysis presented herein; it is indeed an invaluable resource for clinicians and patients alike. May I kindly suggest that future iterations incorporate a standardized column for renal function considerations, given the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in hypertensive cohorts? :)
Alice Settineri
October 12, 2025 AT 16:16Alright, listen up! Zebeta might sound like a boring pill, but it’s actually the rockstar of cardio‑selective blockers – it’s like the James Dean of heart meds, cruising through the bloodstream while the non‑selectives are stuck in traffic! If you’ve got asthma, don’t be a dummy and toss a non‑selective at yourself; Zebeta’s the smooth operator that won’t make you gasp for air. Plus, the price tag is practically a joke compared to the fancy‑pants nebivolol. Own it, don’t just tolerate it!
Dustin Hardage
October 13, 2025 AT 16:26Regarding the pharmacokinetic profile, the half‑life of bisoprolol at roughly 10‑12 hours permits once‑daily dosing, which enhances adherence relative to agents requiring multiple daily administrations. Moreover, its β1‑selectivity confers a reduced risk of bronchospasm, a salient factor for patients with concomitant obstructive airway disease. When cross‑titrating to atenolol, a conservative equivalence estimate of 5 mg bisoprolol to 50 mg atenolol is clinically sound, yet individual response must be monitored via serial vitals and symptom diaries. The evidence base for carvedilol in HFrEF surpasses that of bisoprolol; thus, therapeutic selection should align with the primary indication, comorbidities, and tolerability profile.