Details

Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins). Metoprolol is used to treat angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to metoprolol, or other beta-blockers or if you have a serious heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate severe circulation problems severe heart failure (that required you to be in the hospital) or history of slow heart beats that have caused you to faint. To make sure metoprolol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnoea, or other breathing disorder diabetes (taking metoprolol may make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar) liver disease congestive heart failure problems with circulation (such as Reynaud’s syndrome) a thyroid disorder or pheochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland).

Typical Uses

Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain (angina), heart failure, and high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body (such as epinephrine) that affect the heart and blood vessels. This lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart. Metoprolol may also be used for irregular heartbeats, migraine headache prevention, and after an acute heart attack to improve survival.

Side Effects

Common metoprolol side effects may include very slow heartbeats a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain or cold feeling in your hands and feet.

Drug Interactions

• Metoprolol+aminophylline- Ask your doctor before using metoprolol together with aminophylline. Using these medications together can make metoprolol less effective and increase the effects of aminophylline. Contact your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremors, restlessness, uneven heartbeats, or difficulty breathing.
• Metoprolol+diltiazem- Using diltiazem and metoprolol together may lead to increased side effects. This can cause fatigue, headache, fainting, swelling of the extremities, weight gain, shortness of breath, chest pain, increased or decreased heartbeat, or irregular heartbeat.
• Metoprolol+fingolimod- Before starting fingolimod, let your doctor know if you are currently receiving treatment with metoprolol. Using fingolimod in this situation can cause excessive slowing of your heart rate that can lead to serious or life-threatening cardiac complications. This is most likely to occur early on after you start treatment with fingolimod, especially within the first 20 hours after the first dose.
• Metoprolol+oxtriphylline- Ask your doctor before using metoprolol together with oxtriphylline. Using these medications together can make metoprolol less effective and increase the effects of oxtriphylline.

Mechanism of action

Metoprolol works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure. Early intervention and start of metoprolol in myocardial infarction reduces infarct size and the incidence of ventricular fibrillation.

Pregnancy Category : C