Metoprolol is a selective β1 receptor blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), chest pain (angina) due to low blood flow to the heart and conditions that involves an abnormally fast heart rate. Metoprolol is sold under the brand names — Lopressor, Kapspargo Sprinkle and Toprol XL.
This medicine was made in 1969, patented in 1970, and approved for the medical use in 1982. (1)
Metoprolol Side Effects:
Common Metoprolol side effects may include (2) (3) —
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Tiredness
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Nightmares, trouble sleeping
- Rashes and itching
Call your doctor at once if you have (3) —
- Swelling
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Rapid weight gain
- Slow heartbeats
- Cold feeling in the hands and feet
Interactions:
Some drugs may interact with Metoprolol. Tell your doctor about the medication you are currently taking. Do not stop, start or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor’s approval. Tell your doctor if you are using any other medications; such as (2) (4) —
- Aspirin
- Amlodipine
- Atenolol
- Cialis (tadalafil)
- Warfarin
- Adderall (amphetamine, dextroamphetamine)
- Advil (ibuprofen)
- Crestor (rosuvastatin)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Epinephrine
- Eliquis (apixaban)
- An antidepressant
- Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
- Lasix (furosemide)
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Grapefruit
- Lantus (insulin glargine)
- Sotalol
- Synthroid (levothyroxine)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Lipitor (atorvastatin)
- Lisinopril
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Losartan
- Lyrica (pregabalin)
- Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Viagra (sildenafil)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Plavix (clopidogrel)
- Protonix (pantoprazole)
- Ergot medication such as ergotamine, methylergonovine, ergonovine, dihydroergotamine
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors — phenelzine, rasagiline, linezolid, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine
Precautions:
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or health care provider if you are allergic to it or if you have a history of any other allergies.
Before using Metoprolol, tell your doctor about your medical history; especially of (2) (5) —
- Thyroid problems
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Breathing disorder
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Congestive heart failure
- Pheochromocytoma
- Problems with circulation such as Raynaud’s syndrome
Metoprolol is not safe to use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Ask your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. (6)
It is not clear if this medicine passes into breast milk and may cause dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, dry skin or slow heartbeats in the baby. Consult your doctor if you’re breast—feeding. (7)
Overdose:
Excessive doses of this medicine can cause severe hypotension, seizures, bradycardia, metabolic acidosis and cardiorespiratory arrest. (1)
Seek emergency medical help or call at 1—800—222—1222.
Missed Dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra drug to make up the missed dose.
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