Drug Name: Metoprolol
Brand Names: Lopressor, Toprol XL
Generic Name: Metoprolol
Uses: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. It can also be used to treat or prevent heart attack and treats abnormal heart rhythms. Metoprolol can also be used to prevent headaches due to migraine and in the treatment of certain types of tremors. The drug works by blocking the action of a portion of the involuntary nervous system that stimulates the pace of the heartbeat. It also works by reducing the oxygen demand of the muscles in the heart.
How to use: Metoprolol should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken in an empty stomach, with meals, immediately after taking your meals or at bedtime, depending on the doctor's instruction.
Side Effects: Signs of allergic reactions to Metoprolol may include skin disorder; swelling of the face, throat, lips or tongue; and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects include lightheadedness, slow or uneven heartbeats, swelling of the ankles or feet, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, dark urine and clay-colored stools, yellow discoloration of the skin or eyes, nausea, loss of appetite, low fever, depression, insomnia, memory loss and cold feeling of the hands and feet. Metoprolol may also decrease sex drive and can cause impotence. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Precautions: Metoprolol may impair a patient’s reactions or thinking. If you are taking this medicine, be careful if you are driving or doing anything that requires you to be alert.
Drug Interaction: Metoprolol may interact with medications for allergy, diabetes, heart problem such as Nifedipine and Diltiazem, asthma or other breathing disorders such as Ventolin and Terbutaline, colds and diet pills. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medications including vitamins, minerals and herbal products.
Overdose: Uneven heartbeats, fainting, shortness of breath, weakness, blue discoloration of the fingernails, dizziness and convulsions are among the signs of Metoprolol overdose. Call immediate medical attention if these signs are present.
Notes: While taking Metoprolol, avoid drinking alcohol since it could increase drowsiness or dizziness. Also check your pulse while taking the drug since slow pulse (less than 50 beats per minute) may be a sign of circulation problems.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as possible. But if the next dose is less than 4 hours away if you are taking Metoprolol more than once a day or the next dose is within eight hours if you are taking it once a day, skip the missed dose and follow your regular schedule.
Important Note: Blood pressure should be monitored regularly while taking Metoprolol. Remember that this medication is only a part of a patient’s treatment for hypertension so this should be taken along with exercise, correct diet and weight control. But Metoprolol may also affect a patient’s response to exercise so you should ask your doctor what exercise is applicable for you.
Storage: Store Metoprolol at room temperature away from heat and light.
More information on Metoprolol:
Complete Medical information about Metoprolol
Metoprolol: A profile of a heart drug
