How does bisoprolol work? A look at its mechanism of action
Bisoprolol (brand name Cardicor) is a beta adrenoreceptor antagonist which is more commonly known as a beta blocker. With respect to beta blockers, there are three types, depending on which form of the beta receptor they inhibit. With regards to bisoprolol, it blocks the beta 1 adrenorecptor antagonist (blocker). Understanding the bisoprolol mechanism of action is fairly straight forward.
The mechanism of action for bisoprolol is relatively straightforward. It works by preventing the stimulation of muscle cells in cardiac tissue by interacting with adrenaline receptors found there. If they were not used, adrenaline would other wise be allowed to bind to these receptors and therefore result in the stimulation of cardiac tissue. This is brought about by the adrenaline initiating a cascade of signalling molecules such as cAMP.Normally this isn’t an issue, however, in those that suffer from hypertension and elevated heart rate, this binding is unwanted thus leading to the use of bisoprolol. Further, this reduced heart rate also lowers the overall blood pressure in the individual, and thus it is widely used in those that suffer from hypertension.
Normally, the use of beta blockers are contra-indicated in those suffering from asthma. This is due to the fact that there are also beta adrenoreceptors in the lungs. However in this regards, adrenaline stimulates them to bring about their overall funcion. Despite this, it is beta 2 adrenoreceptors that are found in the lungs. Therefore, since bisoprolol is a beta 1 adrenorector antagonist and would not result in a complete inhibition of lung function, it’s use may be considered in those with lung complaints presuming that patient in question is not able to tolerate the other forms of anti hypertensive and heart pacing drugs.
There has been some suggestions that prolonged use over time may result in the patient suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. However, this is still speculation and at the current time more research is needed to confirm if this is a wide spread (i.e. clinically significance problem).
We hope you now understand the mechanism of action for bisoprolol!
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