Concor 5: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Also known as: Concor, Concor 5 mg, Concor 5 tablet, Bisoprolol 5 mg, Bisoprolol fumarate 5 mg
Concor 5 is a prescription tablet containing 5 mg of bisoprolol, a beta blocker. It is used to treat high blood pressure and angina and, with other medicines, heart failure. It is taken only on a doctor's prescription, is usually taken once a day for a long time, and must not be stopped suddenly or started without a doctor.
- Active ingredient
- Bisoprolol 5 mg
- Type of medicine
- Beta blockers
- Used for
- High blood pressure
- Starts working in
- Heart rate begins to fall within hours; the full effect on blood pressure can take a few weeks
- Effect lasts
- Works through the day, which is why it is usually taken once a day
- With or without food
- Can be taken with or without food; follow the label or your doctor's advice
- Alcohol
- Alcohol may increase the risk of low blood pressure; ask your doctor
- Pregnancy
- Ask your doctor; the NHS says it can be taken in pregnancy with extra checks, so do not stop it on your own
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- Merck Ltd
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
What is Concor 5 used for?
Concor 5 is a prescription medicine. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to treat high blood pressure, angina and, with other medicines, heart failure.
- Treating high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults
- Treating angina (chest pain from the heart)
- Treating heart failure, together with other medicines, when a doctor judges it suitable
How does Concor 5 work?
Bisoprolol blocks the effect of adrenaline on the heart. The heart beats more slowly and with less force, so blood pressure falls and the heart has less work to do. This also helps to reduce angina.
What happens in your body after you take it
You swallow the tablet
The tablet is swallowed whole with water and dissolves in the gut. It is usually taken once a day, often in the morning.
It enters the blood
Bisoprolol is absorbed into the blood and carried to the heart and blood vessels.
It blocks beta receptors in the heart
Bisoprolol attaches to beta receptors in the heart and stops adrenaline from switching them on.
The heart slows and pressure falls
With less adrenaline stimulation, the heart beats more slowly and less forcefully. Blood pressure falls and the heart has less work to do.
The body clears it
The body breaks bisoprolol down and removes it through the liver and kidneys. If doses are stopped suddenly, the condition can get worse, so a doctor lowers the dose gradually.
How to take Concor 5
Take Concor 5 exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
- It is usually taken once a day, often in the morning, at about the same time each day.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not chew it.
- It can be taken with or without food. Do not go without food or drink for long periods, because this can affect blood sugar.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
- Do not stop taking it suddenly, even if you feel well, because this can make your condition worse. Talk to your doctor first.
- Your doctor may check your pulse and blood pressure from time to time.
Side effects of Concor 5
Most people take bisoprolol without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild and often ease over time, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Cold or numb hands and feet
- Dizziness from low blood pressure
- Nausea or an upset stomach
Rare but serious: get medical help
- A very slow or irregular heartbeat, or worsening heart symptoms
- Wheezing, a tight chest or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or a severe rash (a serious allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Yellow skin or eyes (possible liver problems)
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking Concor 5, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to bisoprolol, another beta blocker or any ingredient of the tablet
- Stopping it suddenly without a doctor's advice
- Do not stop it suddenly: this can make your condition worse. Talk to your doctor first
- Asthma or other breathing problems
- Low blood pressure or a slow heartbeat
- Diabetes: it can hide the signs of low blood sugar
- Kidney disease or poor circulation in the legs
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: ask your doctor; do not stop it on your own
- Surgery or dental work: tell the doctor or dentist that you take it
Medicines and things that interact with Concor 5
Concor 5 can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and painkillers bought over the counter.
- Other heart and blood pressure medicines: blood pressure and heart rate may fall too far
- Some antidepressants: ask your doctor or pharmacist
- NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen: they can weaken its effect
- Nasal decongestants and some eye drops for glaucoma: ask a pharmacist first
- Alcohol: can increase the risk of low blood pressure
If someone takes too much
Too much can slow the heart and cause dizziness, trembling and difficulty breathing. If someone has taken more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you. Do not drive yourself.
Storage
Store below 30 C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture, in the original strip, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient bisoprolol is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Concor 5 contains bisoprolol only.
Other brands with the same medicine
Bisoprolol tablets are sold under other brand names and as generic medicines. They contain the same medicine; check the label for the strength. Some products also contain other medicines, so do not switch between them without asking your doctor.
Other strengths and forms
Bisoprolol is sold in different strengths, and in combination tablets with other medicines such as a water tablet. The strength and contents are printed on the pack and are not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
Is Concor 5 a prescription medicine?
Yes. Bisoprolol is a prescription-only medicine in India. It should be taken only if a doctor has prescribed it, and it should not be started, stopped or changed without the doctor's advice. Keep taking it as directed even when you feel well.
Can I stop Concor 5 suddenly?
No. Stopping suddenly can make your condition worse. Talk to your doctor before stopping or changing it. If it needs to be stopped, the doctor usually lowers the dose gradually.
Why do I need Concor 5 even when I feel fine?
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms, but over the years it can damage the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. The medicine works only while you take it. Do not stop on your own, even if readings are normal.
Does Concor 5 cause tiredness or cold hands?
Tiredness, headache and cold or numb hands and feet are common and often ease over time. Tell your doctor if they are bothersome or do not go away. Do not stop it yourself.
What time of day should I take Concor 5?
Most people take it once a day, usually in the morning, at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Follow the label or your doctor's advice.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Concor 5?
Take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and carry on as usual. Never take two doses together to make up for a missed one. If you often forget, ask your doctor or pharmacist for tips.
What is the difference between Concor 5 and Bisoprolol?
Concor is a brand name, and bisoprolol is the medicine inside it. Generic tablets of the same strength contain the same active ingredient. Check the strength and ingredient list on the pack, and ask your doctor before switching products.
Sources
- Bisoprolol: a medicine for high blood pressure and heart problems. NHS (UK)
- How and when to take bisoprolol. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: C07AB Beta blocking agents, selective. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)