Bystolic

Bystolic is a medication often prescribed to treat high blood pressure. By blocking beta-1 receptors, the drug causes the reverse effect of stress hormones, which can decrease heart rate and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Bystolic comes in tablet form and is typically taken once a day. While most people tolerate it well, potential side effects include fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.

Bystolic Medication Information

What Is Bystolic?

Bystolic^® (nebivolol) is a prescription medication approved to treat high blood pressure (known medically as hypertension). It can be used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications.

(Click Bystolic Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Bystolic is made by Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

How Does It Work?

Bystolic belongs to a group of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, more often known as

beta blockers. As the name implies, these medications block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the heart and blood vessels. Stress hormones (such as adrenaline) bind to these receptors and cause certain reactions in the body, such as:

Increased heart rate
Increased force with which the heart pumps blood
Higher blood pressure (both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure)
Constricted blood vessels.

At lower doses in most people, Bystolic helps to block a specific type of beta receptor called beta-1 receptors (at higher doses, it also blocks beta-2 receptors). By blocking beta-1 receptors, Bystolic causes the reverse effect of stress hormones. It decreases heart rate and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

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