Metoprolol

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Lopresor

Drug group:

Beta blocker

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Metoprolol has a wide variety of uses:

• Cardiac conditions - angina, arrhythmias, hypertension (high blood pressure), and it protects the heart from further damage after a heart attack
• Migraine – prevention of acute attacks
• Hyperthyroidism – it slows the rapid heart rate associated with this condition

How does it work?

Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta blocker that prevents the heart from beating too quickly.

How should it be used?

• Asthmatics should avoid using metoproplol – although it is less likely than other non-cardioselective beta blockers to cause breathing difficulties
• Diabetics on insulin should use metopropolol with caution as it can slow the body’s response to low blood sugar

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Total daily dose for adults: 100–200mg daily
• Hypertension: 1–2 x daily
• Angina/arrhythmias: 2–3 x daily
• Heart attack prevention: 4 x daily for 2 days, then 2 x daily
• Migraine prevention: 2 x daily
• Hyperthyroidism: 4 x daily

How quickly will it start to work?

1–2 hours     
                      

How long will the effects last?

3–7 hours                        
          

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor.
             

Is it safe for prolonged use?

No special problems                                                      

What are the possible side effects?

Metoprolol’s side effects tend to diminish with long-term use. The following have been reported:

• More common: lethargy, fatigue, cold hands/feet
• Less common: nausea, vomiting, nightmares, vivid dreams, rash, dry eyes, visual disturbances
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: palpitations, fainting, breathlessness, wheezing

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney/heart problems, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, diabetes, psoriasis, phaeochromocytoma
• Other medicines: Antihypertensive drugs (including calcium channel blockers), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cardiac glycosides (digoxin), antidiabetic drugs, antacids
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not usually prescribed in pregnancy, normal doses are unlikely to negatively affect the breastfed baby
• Children: Not recommended
• Over 60: Reduced doses necessary, increased risk of side effects
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug can cause fatigue, dizziness, and drowsiness
• Alcohol: Avoid excessive intake, enhanced blood-pressure-lowering effects
• Surgery and general anaesthetics: The drug may need to be stopped before you have a general anaesthetic, discuss with your doctor