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Medicine Highlight
| Uses | 1- To treat high blood pressure 2- To prevent heart attack 3- To treat heart failure |
| Common Side Effects | 1- Blurred vision 2- Chest pain or discomfort 3- Confusion 4- Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position 5- Slow or irregular heartbeat 6- Sweating 7- Unusual tiredness or weakness |
| Additional Information | Avoid taking alcohol or tobacco with this medicine. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Metoprolol Summary
Metoprolol 50 mg is a cardio-selective beta-blocker commonly prescribed to manage high blood pressure, heart failure, and acute heart attacks. By reducing the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline, this medication slows the heart rate and relaxes blood vessels, ultimately lowering blood pressure and reducing the heart’s workload. Regular use, as directed by a doctor, helps prevent complications like stroke and heart disease. However, it’s crucial not to stop taking Metoprolol suddenly, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms. Side effects can range from dizziness and fatigue to more severe symptoms like irregular heartbeat or breathing difficulties, requiring medical attention. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle alongside Metoprolol can further enhance heart health. A balanced diet rich in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants- such as leafy greens, lentils, and fruits- can naturally support blood pressure control. Regular exercise, stress management, and quitting smoking or alcohol consumption also contribute to better cardiovascular function. Since Metoprolol interacts with certain medications and alcohol, consulting a doctor before use is essential. Store the medicine in a cool, dry place, away from children, to ensure safety.
Metoprolol Uses
Metoprolol 50 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of cardio-selective beta blocker medicines. It is used for the following indications:
- Acute heart attack
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
Directions for use
- Take metoprolol exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking metoprolol without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
Metoprolol side effects
More Common
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Confusion
- Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Sweating
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Less Common
- Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
- Chest tightness
- Cough
- Decreased urine output
- Difficult or labored breathing
- Difficulty with speaking
- Dilated neck veins
- Disturbed color perception
- Double vision
- Fast, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
- Halos around lights
- Headache
- Inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
- Inability to speak
- Irregular breathing
- Loss of vision
- Night blindness
- Noisy breathing
- Overbright appearance of lights
- Pain, tension, and weakness upon walking that subsides during periods of rest
- Paleness or cold feeling in the fingertips and toes
- Rapid weight gain
- Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- Short-term memory loss
- Slow speech
- Swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
- Tingling of the hands or feet
- Tingling or pain in the fingers or toes when exposed to cold temperatures
- Trouble breathing
- Tunnel vision
- Unusual weight gain or loss
How Metoprolol works
Metoprolol reduces blood pressure by lowering the action of two hormones, namely adrenaline and noradrenaline, thereby slowing down the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 1- Withdrawal symptoms
If you have been using this medicine for a long time and stop taking it abruptly due to improved conditions, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be harmful. Instead, allow your doctor to gradually reduce the dose to ensure a smoother transition.
📌 2- Allergy/Hypersensitivity
If you are allergic to this medicine then inform your doctor immediately.
📌 3- Pregnancy
Metoprolol crosses the placenta and can cause fetal abnormalities if taken during pregnancy, so if you are pregnant or planning to conceive, inform your doctor about it.
Metoprolol Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking metoprolol 50 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Metoprolol Interaction with Food Product
Metoprolol does not interact with any food products, but alcohol should be avoided before and after taking the medicine, as it can increase or decrease the effect of metoprolol.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Metoprolol Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
1-[4-(2-methoxyethyl)phenoxy]-3-(propan-2-ylamino)propan-2-ol
Intake routine/cycle
📌 Daily dose
Take metaprolol exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose
Metoprolol should not be taken more than 1500 mg a day as it can cause lower heart rate, slow breathing, and can even cause life-threatening complications. If someone you know is taking this medicine and exhibits any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Dietary and Lifestyle Management
A few modifications in your diet and lifestyle can significantly help manage your blood pressure, to the point where your doctor may determine that medication is no longer necessary. Here are some dietary changes and lifestyle practices that can help you manage your blood pressure:
Lose weight
Weight gain is directly linked to higher blood pressure. If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can help lower your blood pressure. Pay attention to the weight around your waistline as well, excess weight in this area can be a significant risk factor for high blood pressure.
Regular Exercise
Exercise can lower your blood pressure by 5 to 8 mm Hg. Engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity daily can significantly help reduce your blood pressure. Activities like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and dancing are all effective in keeping your blood pressure under control.
Eat Healthy
Choosing a healthy diet not only helps lower your blood pressure but also offers numerous other health benefits. Incorporate the following foods into your diet to help reduce your blood pressure:
Quit or limit alcohol consumption
The kidney is responsible for maintaining the salt and water balance in our body and producing a hormone called renin, which helps regulate blood pressure. Alcohol damages the kidneys, disrupting their normal functioning. To protect your health, it is best to quit alcohol or, at the very least, limit your intake.
Quit Smoking
Cigarettes contain nicotine, an addictive substance that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to an increase in blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it’s crucial to avoid smoking to protect your heart and overall health.
Increase your sleep duration
Lack of sleep forces your heart to work harder, causing your blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to high blood pressure. Aiming for 7 to 8 hours of sleep is ideal for those with elevated blood pressure.
FAQ’s
1. When should you take metoprolol?
➡️ Metoprolol usually causes dizziness, which is why doctors advise patients to take it before bedtime.
2. Can metoprolol cause bradycardia?
➡️ A study conducted to examine the effect of metoprolol on heart rate in both males and females found that women who consumed a high dose of metoprolol had a lower heart rate, but the same effect was not observed in men.
3. Will metoprolol lower heart rate?
➡️ Yes, metoprolol lowers heart rate by blocking adrenaline’s effects on the heart. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and not stop it suddenly.
Reference
- NHS. Metoprolol: how and when to take it [Internet]. London: National Health Service; [cited 2024 Dec 20]. Available from.
- Hendriksen LC, Omes-Smit G, Koch BCP, Ikram MA, Stricker BH, Visser LE. Sex-Based Difference in the Effect of Metoprolol on Heart Rate and Bradycardia in a Population-Based Setting. J Pers Med. 2022 May 25;12(6):870. doi: 10.3390/jpm12060870. PMID: 35743655; PMCID: PMC9224772.Available from.
- Drugs.com. Can metoprolol lower resting heart rate? [Internet]. [cited 2024 Dec 20]. Available from.
- Morris J, Awosika AO, Dunham A. Metoprolol. [Updated 2024 Feb 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from.
- Mayo Clinic. Metoprolol (Oral route) [Internet]. Rochester: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2024 Dec 20]. Available from.
