Nebivolol

What it is

Nebivolol is a highly cardioselective beta blocker that also promotes nitric oxide release from the vessel lining. It slows the heart and reduces its workload while allowing blood vessels to relax. It is used for hypertension and for heart failure, and is prescription-only.

Used for

• Hypertension
• Heart failure

What to know while taking it

Food makes no difference to it. It is never stopped abruptly, because the heart becomes temporarily oversensitive to adrenaline and chest pain or rhythm disturbance can follow; changes are made by a doctor and tapered. Slowing of the heart rate is the expected pharmacology, not a fault, but it can go further than intended, especially alongside other drugs that slow conduction.

When to see a doctor

A pulse that stays slow, fainting or near-fainting, growing breathlessness or swelling ankles are reasons to see a doctor, as is any run of missed doses that has left the drug effectively stopped.

Worth knowing

• Do not stop abruptly
• Can slow the heart rate

Nutrients affected

• coq10 — depleted by