Metoprolol

Filed under: Beta Blockers

Displayed: Metoprolol Lopresor SR 100mg

Metoprolol belongs to a group of drugs known as beta blockers. It is given to sufferers of hypertension, (high blood pressure) angina, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) Beta‐blockers slow the heart beat, lessen the force with which the heart muscle contracts and reduce blood vessel contraction in the heart, brain, and throughout the body. It also helps to help prevent migraine attacks. used to treat and to protect the heart from further damage following a heart attack. Being a cardioselective drug is less likely to provoke breathing difficulties than other non cardioselective beta blockers. However, if you suffer from asmtha, bronchitis or some other respiratory disease this drug should be used with caution.

This information looks at the active ingredient metoprolol in tablets, not the injection. However, a link to the Patient Information Leaflet, Betaloc IV injection, can be found at the foot of this page.

Detailed Information

Betaloc SA (discontinued in the UK – November 2009).

Quick Guide

• Beta blockers tablets danger of overdose – HIGH.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – YES.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Taking it with alcohol might cause mild body rashes and therefore is not recommended.
• Swallow your tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them.
• Take Metoprolol at the same times each day. This may help you to remember to take your medicine (habit forming).
• Metoprolol is not recommended for children.

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all. It does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: (May affects less than 1 in 10 people): Headache, dizziness, or unusual tiredness, Slow heart beat, Low blood pressure which might make you faint or dizzy, Feeling short of breath when exercising, Feeling or being sick, stomach ache.
Uncommon: (May affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): Sleep disorders such as sleepiness, sleeplessness or nightmares, Feeling less alert, Coldness, numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, Depression, Heart failure or irregular heart beat.
Rare: (May affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): Weight gain, Hallucinations or personality disorders, Dry or sore eyes or problems with vision,Tinnitus or hearing problems.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using metoprolol. It may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist should adverse effects continue and become troublesome.

Before you take Lopresor SR tablets. (manufacturer recommends)

Some people MUST NOT take Lopresor SR tablets. Talk to your doctor:

• If you think you may be allergic to metoprolol or to any of the other ingredients of Lopresor SR tablets.
• If you are allergic to any other beta‐blocker drugs.
• If you have severe asthma or severe attacks of wheezing.
• If you have certain serious heart or blood vessel disorders which shouldn’t be treated with beta‐blockers (your doctor should be aware of these).
• If you have low blood pressure.
• If you been told that you have high blood pressure due to a tumour near your kidney (phaeochromocytoma).
• If you have been told that your blood is more acidic than normal (a condition called metabolic acidosis).

If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking medication with the active ingredient metoprolol tartrate.

Prolonged Use

There are no special problems as far as prolonged use is concerned.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

It is possible that this drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness and fatigue. It may be wise to avoid these activities until you know how metoprolol may affect you. There does not appear to be any problems associated with alcohol. However, do not drink exccessively it may affect you more than it usualy would.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Although this drug would not normaly be given in pregnancy because it may affect the baby it can be given under supervision. The drug passes into the breast milk, However, at normal doses side effects on the baby would be most unlikely. You would need to discuss both these important issues with your doctor.

Metoprolol is classified as a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Tell Your Doctor

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason.

Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary/alternative medication.

Over 60’s & Children

There is a possibility of increased side effects in the over sixties. A reduced dose would be necessary. Metoprolol would not be recommended for infants or children

Overdose

Overdose symptoms may include: slow or uneven heartbeats, shortness of breath, bluish-colored fingernails, Wheezing, dizziness, weakness, or fainting. Loss of life.

In all cases go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you. This will help the hospital staff identify what has been taken and work towards given the right kind of help without delay.

Other Medication Reactions

You should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, or have recently taken, any other medicines. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary/alternative medication. This is because of the way some medicines can interact when taken alongside of each other.

• Medicines for high blood pressure (including prazosin, clonidine and drugs called calcium channel blockers such as verapamil or diltiazem). In the initial stages of taken verapamil it may seriously slow down, or even stop the heartbeat as well as lowering blood pressure.
• Other beta‐blockers (including those used in the form of eye drops).
• Drugs which affect the peripheral circulation (fingers and toes) such as ergotamine which can be used to treat migraine.
• Medicines to treat depression.
• Medicines to treat other mental illnesses.
• Antiretroviral drugs used to treat AIDS and some other conditions.
• Antihistamines (including medicines that you can buy without a prescription for hayfever and other allergies, colds and other conditions).
• Drugs to prevent malaria.
• Medicines to treat fungal infections.
• Medicines which affect liver enzymes, such as cimetidine used to treat stomach ulcers and rifampicin used to treat tuberculosis.
• Medicines which affect liver enzymes, such as cimetidine used to treat stomach ulcers and rifampicin used to treat tuberculosis.
• Medicines for heart problems including angina, such as amiodarone, digoxin, nitrates and anti‐arrhythmic drugs.
• Drugs called NSAIDs used to treat pain and inflammation. (e.g aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen).
• A local anaesthetic called lignocaine.
• If antidiabetic drugs are taken with metoprolol there is a risk that this drug will mask or increase the symptoms of low blood pressure.

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking. If you buy over the counter medicines check with the pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

It is important that you do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. as it can lead to a worsening of the condition. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this drug, he or she may direct you to gradually decrease your dose over a period of time.

Effect Of Medication (from one dose)

The effects of this drug can be felt within 1 to 2 hours with lasting effects of between 3 to 7 hours.

Safety and Storage

• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• If your due to have treatment like an operation or dental work tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• When you buy any medicines over-the-counter check with the pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
• Never take metoprolol if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C or above a working area where high condensation may exits.
• Keep metoprolol in their original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely. without causing unwanted effects on our environment.

If metoprolol has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.

Reference:

• Recordati Pharmaceuticals Limited Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) last updated on electronic Medicines Compendium eMC: 04/11/2010. Lopresor SR tablets 200mg.
• AstraZeneca UK Limited Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) last updated on electronic Medicines Compendium eMC: 28/02/2011. Betaloc I.V. Injection.
• British National Formulary – 61st Edition (March 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.