Metoprolol is a beta-blocker medicine that helps improve blood flow through arteries and veins, particularly in the heart and circulation. It is used for treating angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high blood pressure).
Metoprolol also lowers the risk of death or the need for treatment for heart failure. The injectable form of Metoprolol is used in the early stages of a heart attack to minimise the risk of death.
What Are the Uses of Metoprolol Tablets?
Metoprolol is used to manage heart-related issues and reduce the risk of future heart complications.
Metoprolol blocks beta receptors in the heart, slowing down the heart rate and reducing blood pressure. This lowers the strain on the heart and improves blood flow.
Metoprolol Dosage Instructions
Metoprolol is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, along with injectable options, allowing flexibility in treatment based on the patient's condition and medical setting.
Form
Strengths Available
Common Use
Metoprolol Tartrate (Immediate-release tablets)
25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
Used for high blood pressure, angina, and arrhythmia; taken 2-3 times daily
Metoprolol Succinate (Extended-release tablets)
25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg
Used for high blood pressure, angina, and heart failure; taken once daily
Injectable (IV)
1 mg/mL (in 5 mL ampoules)
Used in hospital settings for acute cardiac conditions
How to Take Metoprolol
Take metoprolol as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Take metoprolol with or immediately after a meal.
Swallow the capsule whole without crushing, chewing, breaking, or opening it.
If prescribed, you may split the Toprol XL tablet in half. Swallow the half tablet without chewing or crushing.
Measure liquid medicine carefully using the provided dosing syringe or a special dose-measuring device, not a kitchen spoon.
You may require regular medical tests, and your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
Inform your surgeon ahead of time if you need surgery while taking this medication.
Do not stop taking metoprolol suddenly, as this may worsen your condition.
Continue to use metoprolol even if you feel well, especially for treating high blood pressure, which often has no symptoms. You may need to take this medication for the rest of your life.
Metoprolol injection is administered as a vein infusion in a hospital setting where your heart and blood pressure can be monitored. The injection is usually given just before you start taking the oral form.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Metoprolol?
Missing a dose can affect your treatment, but here's what to do if it happens.
If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at the regular time.
Do not take two doses at once.
What Happens If I Overdose on Metoprolol?
An overdose can be serious or even life-threatening and requires emergency medical help.
Symptoms of overdose include:
Blue-colored fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds
You should not use metoprolol if you have a significant heart condition (heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heart rate), extreme circulation issues, severe heart disease, or a history of slow heartbeats that have triggered fainting.
Before You Take This Medication
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to metoprolol or any other beta-blockers (such as atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, or sotalol), or if you have any of the following conditions:
Severe heart issues such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or a sluggish heart rate
Significant problems with circulation
Extreme heart failure (requiring hospitalisation)
A history of slow heartbeats that caused you to faint
Contact your doctor to determine if this drug is safe for you, especially if you have:
Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other respiratory disorders
Diabetes (metoprolol can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar)
Do not give this drug to a child without medical advice.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor. It is not known if metoprolol affects an unborn child, but treating hypertension during pregnancy can prevent complications such as diabetes or eclampsia. The benefits of treating hypertension may outweigh any risks to the child.
Ask your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this drug. Metoprolol can pass into breast milk and may cause dry skin, dry mouth, constipation, or slow heartbeat in your baby.
What to Avoid While Taking Metoprolol
To stay safe and avoid complications, be cautious about what you consume or do while on this medicine.
Avoid alcohol-it can increase side effects like dizziness or low blood pressure.
Don't suddenly stop taking the medication-this may worsen your heart condition.
Inform your doctor before surgery or starting any new medications.
Possible Interactions with Other Medications
Metoprolol can interact with many drugs. Tell your doctor about everything you're taking, including supplements and herbal products.
Notable Interactions Include:
Other blood pressure or heart medications
Antidepressants
Diabetes medications
Asthma inhalers (may worsen symptoms)
Interaction Types
A total of 476 drugs are known to interact with metoprolol:
22 major drug interactions
419 moderate drug interactions
35 minor drug interactions
How Should Metoprolol Be Stored?
Proper storage helps maintain the effectiveness and safety of Metoprolol.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature
Keep away from sunlight, moisture and heat
Do not freeze
Keep away from children and pets
What Happens If Not Stored Properly?
Improper storage may reduce the medicine's effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. Always check expiration dates.
The recommended starting dose of metoprolol is typically 25-50 mg once daily, depending on the condition being treated and individual response. Your doctor will adjust your dose as needed.
There are no known interactions between metoprolol and vitamin D3. However, it's always best to consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medications or supplements.
Yes, weight gain can occur as a side effect of metoprolol. On average, weight gain of about 1.5 kg has been reported.
There are no known interactions between metoprolol and vitamin B12. However, it's important to consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medications or supplements.
The maximum dose depends on the condition being treated. For high blood pressure, it's usually up to 400 mg/day. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
No. Metoprolol succinate is extended-release (once daily), while metoprolol tartrate is immediate-release (usually taken twice daily). They are not interchangeable unless your doctor advises.
Metoprolol starts working within 1 hour, but full effects on blood pressure or heart rate may take several days of regular use.
Both are beta-blockers, but Bisoprolol is more selective for the heart and may cause fewer side effects. Your doctor chooses based on your condition.
Occasional use is generally safe, but regular use may reduce Metoprolol's effectiveness and raise blood pressure. Always check with your doctor first.
Metoprolol may be used during pregnancy if needed, but only under medical supervision, as it may affect the baby’s growth or heart rate.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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