Metoprolol

Brand Names

Beloc, Betaloc ,Lopresor ,Lopresoretic ,Lopressor ,Lopressor HCT

What is Metoprolol

Metoprolol is a beta-adrenergic blocker used for hypertension (high blood pressure), abnormal rhythms of the heart, heart pain, acute myocardial infarction, angina and several other problems with the cardiovascular system.

Side effects of Metoprolol

Serious side effects of the metoprolol intake can be bradycardia (slow heartbeat), impotence, drowsiness, weakness, depression, bronchospasm, disorientation, nervousness, constipation, vomiting, nausea, problems with sleep, dizziness, fatigue, difficult breathing, memory loss, confusion, anxiety, unstable mood, diarrhea, emotional lability, cold extremities.

Less severe side effects can be nervousness, diarrhea, heartburn, dry mouth, vomiting, and anxiety, headache, feeling tired, drowsiness, constipation, insomnia, and decreased sex drive.

Indication

Used while treating angina pectoris and hypertension.

Precautions

It is not recommended to take metoprolol if you are allergic or hypersensitive to any:

• beta-blocker medication;
• medication that contains metoprolol;
• ingredient that is listed below;

It is not recommended to take metoprolol if you are lactose intolerant. Lactose is one of the Terry White Chemists Metoprolol ingredients.

It is not recommended to take metoprolol if you suffer from:

• Hay fever;
• Asthma;
• Shock;
• heart failure and other heart problems;
• slow heart beat;
• low blood pressure;
• blood vessel disorder;
• phaeochromocytoma;

Before starting Metoprolol treatment consult your doctor if you:

• are allergic to some substances (preservatives, dyes or food) or other medications;
• suffer or had various allergies( e.g. hay fever), lactose intolerance, angina (variant angina or prinzmetal angina), overactive thyroid gland, heart diseases, phaeochromocytoma, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, blood vessel disorder, problems with skin or eyes that were cause by other beta-blocker medications;
• are pregnant, breastfeeding or are only planning to have a baby. Metoprolol can affect the fetus. Your therapeutist will tell you about all the benefits and risks of Metoprolol treatment during the pregnancy.

Dosage forms

Metoprolol tablets are released in: 25, 50, 100 mg and 200 mg. Metoprolol injection - 1 mg/ml

Your therapeutist should individualize the Metoprolol dosage. The medication must be taken during or after meal.

While treating:

• Angina Pectoris start with 100 mg a day (single dose). The dosage can be gradually increased by your therapeutist to 400 mg a day. When the treatment is stopped the doctor will gradually decrease the dose during 1-2 weeks.
• Heart Failure starts with 25 mg once a day during two weeks. After that the doctor can double the dose to maximum. The recommended highest level is 200 mg a day.
• High Blood Pressure starts with 50-100 mg one time a day. The dosage can be gradually increased by your therapeutist to 400 mg a day. The metoprolol effectiveness will be seen in a week.
• Heart Attack. The dosage will be determined by your doctor individually. It is unknown if the Metoprolol is safe and effective for treating children.