Bisoprolol in Pregnancy — Is It Safe?
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
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Bisoprolol is sometimes used in pregnancy for heart failure and arrhythmia, but carries fetal growth restriction and neonatal bradycardia risks — always under specialist supervision.
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Is it safe to take Bisoprolol with Pregnancy?
Bisoprolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker used for heart failure, angina and arrhythmia. Like all beta-blockers, it crosses the placenta and can cause neonatal bradycardia, hypoglycaemia and respiratory depression. It is associated with intrauterine growth restriction with prolonged use. Despite these risks, it is sometimes the appropriate treatment for women with significant cardiac conditions in pregnancy — the risk of untreated arrhythmia or heart failure can be greater. This is always a specialist obstetric cardiology decision.
How do Bisoprolol and Pregnancy interact?
Bisoprolol's beta-1 selectivity reduces (but does not eliminate) the fetal effects of non-selective beta-blockade. Growth restriction risk is lower than with atenolol but still documented. Neonatal beta-blockade at delivery requires paediatric monitoring.
Data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label database: OpenFDA bisoprolol label; NICE hypertension in pregnancy guidance.
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Women with pre-existing heart conditions — this is a clinical decision made with a cardiologist and obstetrician. Never stop heart medication suddenly without medical advice.
What if I've already taken Bisoprolol and Pregnancy?
Continue as prescribed. Do not stop heart medication suddenly. Ensure your obstetric team knows you are on bisoprolol.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take bisoprolol in pregnancy?
Under specialist supervision for cardiac indications — yes. Bisoprolol carries growth restriction and neonatal bradycardia risks but is used when cardiac conditions require it.
Is bisoprolol safer than propranolol in pregnancy?
Bisoprolol's cardioselectivity offers modest advantages over propranolol. Labetalol is usually the first-choice beta-blocker in pregnancy for hypertension.
Can I stop bisoprolol when pregnant?
Never stop heart medication without medical advice. Abrupt cessation can cause rebound arrhythmia or angina. Book an urgent cardiology/obstetric review.
What happens to my baby if I take bisoprolol?
The baby will be monitored for low heart rate (bradycardia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) at birth. These are usually short-lived and manageable.