Metoprolol is a type of medicine called a beta blocker. Like other beta blockers,
Metoprolol works by slowing down your heart rate and making it easier for your heart to pump blood
around your body. Metoprolol does this by changing the way your body responds to some nerve impulses,
especially in the heart the brand name for Metoprolol is Lopressor and Toprol XL.
What is used for?
It is used alone or with other drugs to treat elevated blood pressure. It is also used to
treat chest pressure or chest pan (also called angina). Another indication for this medication
would be to treat heart failure. It can also be used to treat an irregular heart rate
and rhythm called atrial fibrillation. It can be also used to after a heart attack
to prevent future heart attacks. It can also be used off label to treat migraines
or even an endocrinological emergency called thyrotoxicosis. In emergency situations
it is used acute heart arrythmias How is this drug taken?
This drug is taken once daily as directed by your Doctor orally. If you have the brand that contain
metoprolol tartrate, this can be taken with or just after a meal as it is absorbed better that
way. If you are taking the brand metoprolol succinate can be taken with or without food.
Metoprolol tartrate is typically administered in 2 to 3 divided daily doses and metoprolol
succinate is administered once daily. Metoprolol comes as immediate release
and extended-release tablets & an extended-release capsule.
Do not chew or bite these tablets as this can release the drugs ingredients at once
increasing the chance of side effects. It comes in an injectable form as well which
a healthcare provider can use usually in the hospital setting and emergency situations.
If you are interested in another BP medication called Lisinopril, click on this link above.
17 tips to minimize or avoid Metoprolol side effects!
During your treatment some of these side effects may go away
as your body adjusts to the medication.
1) This drug is going to lower your BP (hypotension) and lower your HR (bradycardia).
This might make you feel dizzy when you suddenly get up. Take your time
when you are getting up esp. from a sitting position. Be careful going up and down stairs.
2) Metoprolol can affect your blood sugars. If you are a diabetic
continue to carefully monitor your blood sugars 3) Metoprolol can cause different types of heart
blocks; these are rare but can happen. Your Doctor will monitor for this by checking your vital signs
and your physical examination. He or she also can get an EKG to monitor for any changes.
4) Metoprolol can cause bronchospasms. Symptoms would be difficulty breathing and wheezing.
Although because of the way metoprolol works (it works over a B1 receptor), the chances of this
happening is less likely. However, if you have a bronchospastic disease such as Asthma you would
be more susceptible to this. Tell your Doctor if you do have increasing cough, wheezing or SOB.
5) BB such as metoprolol do have CNS effects. They can cause fatigue, insomnia and in some cases
sleep disturbances, this is because Beta Blockers slow down you heart rate and you will feel more
tired as your HR slows down. Because of this you may want to take your first doses of Metoprolol
at nighttime as it can make you feel sleepy. Once you are used to the medication you can switch to
the morning with the help of your Doctor. 6) Beta Blockers, like mentioned before
slows your HR down. You are at an increased risk for depression. Your Doctor during your annual
examination will be not only checking your HR , but asking you questions regarding your mood.
7) Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
8) BB can cause weigh gain The average weight gain is just over 2lbs. (or just above 1kg) If you
are using this medication for heart failure your Doctor can advise you whether this is a medication
side effect or related to you heart failure. • 9) This drug can cause skin reactions or rashes.
Usually this in terms of numbers is less than 5% of the cases.
Other skin problems include itching, gangrene of the skin and tissues and loss of hair. It
has been associated in the worsening of psoriasis. If you have any of these changes alert your Doctor
10) Erectile dysfunction as well as impotence has been described with this drug in post
marketing surveys. Follow up with your Doctor if that is the case to rule out other causes.
11) In less than 1% of cases it can cause GI symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea,
nausea and stomach pain. These are usually self-limiting and should go away.
12) In older adults it can cause hallucinations, short term memory problems and confusion.
If you are an older adult start the dose at the lowest dose
and your Doctor should titrate the dose slowly to avoid side effects.
13)Beta Blockers can also affect you Lipid metabolism in particular your Triglycerides
and HDL cholesterol. Make sure your Doctor checks your Lipid profile regularly
14)Beta Blockers such as Metoprolol are selective Beta Blockers. Your Doctor has to be cautious in
severe PVD as it can cause lower extremity pain. If you do have increased leg pain
while walking alert your Doctor to this. They can be used in mild and moderate PVD
15) In acute exacerbation of heart failure your Doctor should not use Beta Bocker..
He or she can reintroduce the medication once your heart failure is compensated.
16) Drug Drug interactionsI: Metoprolol can interact with some of these medications. This list
is not exhaustive, but your Doctor or pharmacist can alert you to possible drug drug interactions.
17) Never suddenly stop this medication suddenly without talking to your Doctor, especially at
higher doses as it can cause an increase in your blood pressure and an elevated HR.
In people with underlying heart disease it can cause chest pain.
Click on these links if you want to see other videos and as always Think your health.