METOPROLOL

(Generic Name)

BRAND NAMES

Lopressor, 50 mg

Lopressor, 100 mg

TYPE OF DRUG

Beta-adrenergic blocking agent.

PRESCRIBED FOR

High blood pressure; angina pains; abnormal heart rhythms;

prevention of a second heart attack; headache; tremors; anxiety

pheochromocytoma; overactive thyroid symptoms; mitral valve

prolapse.

GENERAL INFORMATION

This drug is very much like Propranolol but it has a more specific

effect on the heart and a less specific effect on receptors in the

blood vessels and respiratory tract. This means that the drug is

safer for asthmatics and has a more specific effect on heart

functions. The long-acting form of Metoprolol may cause fewer

side effects than the regular tablet because it provides a steady

flow of the drug into the bloodstream over a 24-hour period,

avoiding drug peaks that can be associated with side effects.

CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS

All beta-blocking drugs should be used with care if you have a

history of asthma, upper respiratory disease, or seasonal allergy,

which may be worsened if you take this drug.

PREGNANCY/BREAST-FEEDING

Animal studies have shown that drugs similar to Metoprolol

cause problems during pregnancy when used in very high

amounts. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should use this

drug only if it is essential.

SENIORS

Older adults may be more or less sensitive to the effects of

Metoprolol than younger adults. Your dosage must be adjusted

to your individual needs by your doctor. Seniors may be more

likely to suffer from cold hands and feet, reduced body

temperature, chest pains, a general feeling of ill health, sudden

breathing difficulties, sweating, or changes in heartbeat because

of this medicine.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Metoprolol may decrease heart rate; worsen congestive heart

failure; and cause very low blood pressure, tingling in the

extremities, light-headedness, mental depression (including

sleeping difficulties), weakness, and tiredness. The depression

may reverse itself when you stop taking the drug. Visual

disturbances, hallucinations, disorientation, and short-term

memory loss may occur. People taking Metoprolol may

experience nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, abdominal cramps

and diarrhea, or constipation. If you are allergic to Metoprolol,

you may show typical signs of drug allergy, including sore throat,

fever, breathing difficulty, and changes in the elements of your

blood. Metoprolol may cause bronchospasms (spasms of the

bronchial muscles), which will worsen any existing asthmatic or

upper respiratory condition.

Occasionally, people taking Metoprolol experience emotional

instability, a feeling of detachment, or personality changes. The

drug may also cause changes in the blood system.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Metoprolol will interact with any psychotropic, or psychoactive,

drug--including monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors--that

stimulates one of the adrenergic segments of the nervous

system. Since most people taking a psychotropic drug don't have

this information, discuss this possible problem with your doctor.

Metoprolol may increase the effectiveness of Insulin or oral

antidiabetic drugs. If you are diabetic, discuss the situation with

your doctor; a reduction in the dose of antidiabetic medication

will probably be made.

Metoprolol may interact with certain other drugs to lower blood

pressure. This interaction often has positive results in patients

who need to take medicines to lower their blood pressure.

Do not self-medicate with over-the-counter cold, cough, or

allergy remedies that may contain stimulant drugs that will

aggravate your heart disease or high blood pressure or other

ingredients that can antagonize the effects of Metoprolol. Check

with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any

over-the-counter medication.

FOOD INTERACTIONS

Take this medicine with food if it upsets your stomach. The

long-acting form of Metoprolol is unaffected by food and may be

taken at any time.

USUAL DOSE

100 to 450 milligrams per day. Metoprolol dosage must be

tailored to your specific needs.

OVERDOSAGE

Symptoms of Metoprolol overdose are slowed heart rate, heart

failure, low blood pressure, and spasms of the bronchial muscles,

making it difficult to breathe. The overdose victim should be

taken to a hospital emergency room for treatment. ALWAYS

bring the medicine bottle with you.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

Metoprolol can make you tired, so take care when driving or

operating machinery.

Call your doctor if you become depressed or confused or if you

develop a skin rash, difficulty breathing, chest pains, yellow skin

or eyes, cold hands or feet, unusual bleeding or bruising, fever

or sore throat, hallucinations, slow heartbeat, or back or joint

pains. Other side effects need to be reported only if they

become bothersome or unusually persistent.

Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly unless your doctor tells

you to do so, or serious angina (heart pain) may develop.

If you forget to take a dose of Metoprolol, take it as soon as

possible. However, if it is within 8 hours of your next dose, skip

the forgotten dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not

take a double dose.