METOPROLOL - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (MET-oh-PROE-lol)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lopressor

GENERIC NAME(S): metoprolol tartrate

Medically reviewed by Matt Sommers, PharmD. Last updated on September 01, 2023.

Uses

USES: Metoprolol is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication is also used to treat chest pain (angina) and to improve survival after a heart attack. Metoprolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers. It works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body, such as epinephrine, on the heart and blood vessels. This effect lowers the heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.

How to use METOPROLOL - ORAL

HOW TO USE: See also Warning section. Take this medication by mouth, with or right after a meal, as directed by your doctor, usually 1-3 times a day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. To prevent chest pain, a second heart attack, or migraine headaches, it is very important to take this medication regularly as prescribed. This drug should not be used to treat chest pain or migraines when they occur. Use other medications to relieve sudden attacks as directed by your doctor (for example, nitroglycerin tablets placed under the tongue for chest pain, "triptan" drugs such as sumatriptan for migraines). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, if your routine blood pressure readings remain high or increase, if your chest pain or migraines occur more often).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, diarrhea, and slow heartbeat may occur. Decreased sexual ability has been reported rarely. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. This drug may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, blue fingers/toes, trouble breathing, new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain), mental/mood changes (such as confusion, mood swings, depression). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking metoprolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other beta-blockers (such as atenolol, propranolol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain types of heart rhythm problems (such as a slow heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), liver disease, serious allergic reactions, including those needing treatment with epinephrine, blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's disease, peripheral vascular disease), mental/mood disorders (such as depression), a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis). If you have diabetes, this product may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness and sweating, are unaffected by this drug. This product may also make it harder to control your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. A product that may interact with this drug is: fingolimod. Other medications can affect the removal of metoprolol from your body, which may affect how metoprolol works. Examples include lumefantrine, propafenone, quinidine, SSRI antidepressants (such as fluoxetine, paroxetine), St. John's wort, among others. Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, severe weakness, fainting, trouble breathing.

Images

METOPROLOL TARTRATE 25 MG TAB

color: white
shape: round
imprint: M 18

METOPROLOL TARTRATE 25 MG TAB

color: white
shape: round
imprint: M 18

METOPROLOL TARTRATE 50 MG TAB

color: pink
shape: round
imprint: M 32

METOPROLOL TARTRATE 50 MG TAB

color: pink
shape: round
imprint: M 32

METOPROLOL TARTRATE 100 MG TAB

color: light blue
shape: round
imprint: M 47

METOPROLOL TARTRATE 100 MG TAB

color: light blue
shape: round
imprint: M 47

METOPROLOL TARTRATE 37.5 MG TB

color: light blue
shape: round
imprint: M MT, 37.5

METOPROLOL TARTRATE 75 MG TAB

color: white
shape: round
imprint: M MT, 75

METOPROLOL TARTRATE 50 MG TAB

color: pink
shape: round
imprint: WATSON 462

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Faq for METOPROLOL - ORAL

What is Metoprolol used for

Metoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and heart failure. It may also be prescribed to prevent future heart attacks.

How does Metoprolol work

Metoprolol belongs to a class of medications called beta-blockers. It works by blocking the effect of certain natural chemicals in the body, such as adrenaline, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure. By doing so, it helps to lower blood pressure, reduce chest pain, and improve overall heart function.

What are the common side effects of Metoprolol

Common side effects of Metoprolol include tiredness, dizziness, slow heartbeat, diarrhea, and cold hands or feet. It is important to note that not everyone experiences these side effects, and if they do occur, they usually go away on their own as the body adjusts to the medication.

Can I suddenly stop taking Metoprolol

No, you should not stop taking Metoprolol suddenly without consulting your doctor. Stopping the medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, potentially making your condition worse. Your doctor will gradually decrease your dose to safely stop the medication if needed.

Can Metoprolol be taken with other medications

Metoprolol may interact with other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Some drugs, such as certain antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, and antiarrhythmics, may interact with Metoprolol and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.

Can Metoprolol be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding

It is important to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking Metoprolol. The medication may be prescribed if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. It is generally not recommended to take Metoprolol while breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk.

How should I take Metoprolol

Metoprolol is usually taken orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. It is important to take it at the same time(s) every day to maintain a consistent level in your body. Do not crush or chew the extended-release tablets; swallow them whole.

Can Metoprolol cause allergic reactions

While rare, allergic reactions to Metoprolol can occur. Signs of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms after taking Metoprolol.

How long does it take for Metoprolol to start working

The time it takes for Metoprolol to start working varies depending on the condition being treated. In general, it may take a few weeks to experience the full benefits. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you start feeling better.

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Warning

WARNING: Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when you suddenly stop this drug. Some people who have suddenly stopped taking similar drugs have had chest pain, heart attack, and irregular heartbeat. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this drug, he or she may direct you to gradually decrease your dose over 1 to 2 weeks. When gradually stopping this medication, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease strain on the heart. Get medical help right away if you develop chest pain/tightness/pressure, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, unusual sweating, trouble breathing, or fast/irregular heartbeat.

Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.