What is Metoprolol?
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker drug that alters the heart as well as the circulation (blood flows through veins and arteries). Metoprolol is a medication used for treating angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high blood pressure). Metoprolol also helps reduce the risk of dying or having to go to the hospital due to the condition known as heart failure. A metoprolol injection is administered during the initial stage of a heart attack in order to reduce the chance of dying.
Caution
Metoprolol should not be used when you suffer from a serious heart condition (heart block, sick sinus syndrome, low heart beat), severe circulation problems, serious heart failure, or a history of slow heartbeats that resulted in fainting.
Before you Take this Drug
This medication is for you if you have an allergy to metoprolol or any other beta-blockers (atenolol, labetalol, carvedilol, nebivolol, nadolol, propranolol, and more) or if you are suffering from:
- An issue with the heart that is serious, like a heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or a slow heart rate.
- Serious circulation issues;
- Severe heart failure that is severe (that necessitated you to go to the hospital) or
- An occurrence of irregular heartbeats that may have led to your fainting.
To ensure that this medication is appropriate for you, consult your doctor if:
- Asthma, chronic obstructive respiratory illness (COPD), sleep apnea, or any other breathing disorder.
- Diabetes (taking metoprolol can make it difficult for you to recognize when you are suffering from the condition of having low levels of blood sugar);
- Liver disease;
- Congestive heart failure;
- Issues that affect problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's disease);
- A thyroid disorder
- Pheochromocytoma (tumor in the adrenal gland)
Don't give the medication to a child unless you have medical guidance.
Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant. It's not clear if metoprolol could harm an unborn baby. But being pregnant with high blood pressure can lead to complications, such as eclampsia or diabetes (dangerously elevated blood pressure that could cause medical issues in both the baby and the mother). The advantages of treating hypertension can outweigh the risks for the baby.
Consult a physician prior to taking this medication if you are nursing. Metoprolol can pass into breast milk and could be the cause of dry skin, dry mouths, diarrhea, constipation, or the baby's heartbeat slowing.
How to Take metoprolol?
Follow the exact dosage of metoprolol as recommended by your physician. Follow all the instructions on the prescription label and go through all the medication guides or instructions. The doctor might alter your dosage.
Metoprolol is recommended to be taken at the time of eating or after eating.
The medicine should be taken every day.
Suck and swallow the capsule intact, and don't crush or chew on it, break it, or break it open.
It is possible to split a Toprol XL tablet into two pieces if your doctor has instructed you to do this. The tablet should be swallowed whole and without crushing or chewing.
Measure the liquid medicine with care. Make use of the dosing device provided or a dosage measuring device (not an ordinary spoon).
You'll need regular medical tests, and your blood pressure needs to be monitored regularly.
If you require surgery, inform the surgeon beforehand that you're using this medication.
It is not recommended to stop taking the medication abruptly. A sudden stop can increase the severity of your illness.
If you are suffering from elevated blood pressure, you should continue taking metoprolol even when you feel good. High blood pressure can have no signs. You could need this medication throughout your life.
Keep at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
Metoprolol injections are administered as injections into the vein. Healthcare professionals will administer the injection in a clinical environment where your heart rate and blood pressure are monitored. The injections are administered for a brief period before switching to an oral version of the medicine.
Details on Dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Metoprolol Tartrate Immediate Release Tablets:
Initial dosage: 100 mg orally daily in one or two doses
Dosage for maintenance: 100 to 500 mg daily orally.
Metoprolol Succinate Extended Release Tablets:
Initial dosage: 25–100 mg once orally every day.
Dosage for maintenance: 100 to 400 mg taken orally every day.
Usual Adult Dose for Angina Pectoris:
Initial dose:
Tablets that immediately release Metoprolol tartrate 50 mg taken orally twice every day
Metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets, 100 mg, taken orally, once every day
Maintaining dose: 100 to 400 mg daily.
Usual Adult Dose for Myocardial Infarction:
Metoprolol Tartrate :
Early Treatment:
Initial dose: 5 mg IV every 2 minutes as tolerable for three doses
Patients who are tolerant to the full doses of IV (15 mg) and 50 mg taken per day, taken orally, This begins 15 minutes following the last IV dose and lasts for up to 48 hours.
Patients who are not tolerant of all IV doses (15 mg), 25, 50, or 100 mg taken orally every 6 hours based on the level of intolerance beginning 15 minutes after the end of the last IV dose or when their medical situation permits
Late Treatment:
Dosage for maintenance: 100 mg every day, twice.
Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:
Metoprolol Succinate Extended Release Tablets:
25 mg once orally per day (12.5 mg once a day for patients suffering from higher-severity heart failure) doubles every 2 weeks to the highest tolerated dose, or up to 200 mg taken orally every day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertension:
Metoprolol Succinate Extended Release Tablets:
6 Years or Older:
Initial dosage: 1 mg/kg orally every day (not more than 50 mg taken orally at least once per day).
Maximum dosage: 2.5% (or 200 mg) daily, taken orally.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Don't miss the dose you missed, and take your next dose at your regular time. Don't take two doses at the same time.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should be Avoided?
Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects of this medication on your body. Your reaction could be affected.
Drinking alcohol can trigger the effects of this medication.
Side Effects of Metoprolol
Contact a medical professional immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you show symptoms of metoprolol-related allergic reactions, such as hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Metoprolol could cause severe adverse reactions. Contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:
- Very slow heartbeats
- A lightheaded sensation, similar to feeling like you're about to pass out.
- Breath shortness (even when exerting only a little), swelling, or rapid weight gain; or
- The cold sensation in your feet and hands
Common adverse effects of metoprolol include:
- Dizziness;
- Fatigued feeling;
- Depression;
- Confusion;
- Memory problems;
- Nightmares;
- Trouble sleep;
- Diarrhoea;
- Itching that is mild or not as severe
This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Other effects may also be present. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Discuss with your doctor the medicines you are currently taking. Numerous drugs may be incompatible with metoprolol, including:
- Other heart or blood pressure medication;
- Epinephrine (Epi-Pen);
- An antidepressant
- An ergot medicine—dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine; or
- An MAO inhibitor—isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.
