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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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, a drug used for treating multiple sclerosis.
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.
Symptoms of overdose may include: very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, severe weakness, fainting, trouble breathing. If you suspect overdose, go to the nearest hospital immediately.
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