COMMON BRAND(S): LOPRESSOR
GENERIC NAME(S): METOPROLOL TARTRATE
Uses:
Metoprolol can be used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
This medicine can also be utilized in the treatment of chest pain (angina) and also to increase survival following a heart attack.
Metoprolol belongs to a category of drugs known as beta-blockers.
It works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body, like epinephrine, in the heart and blood vessels.
This effect lowers the heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on your heart.
How to use Metoprolol Tartrate:
See also the Warning section.
Take this medication by mouth, with or following a meal, as directed by your doctor, usually 1-3 times a day.
The dose is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
To reduce your chance of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication in a very low dose and gradually increase your dose.
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Use this medicine regularly for the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at precisely the exact same time(s) daily.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped.
For treating high blood pressure, it may take several weeks before you have the full benefit of this drug.
Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure don’t feel ill.
To avoid chest pain, another heart attack, or migraine headaches, it’s very important to take this medication regularly as prescribed.
This medication should not be used as a treatment for chest pain or migraines whenever they occur.
Use other drugs to relieve sudden attacks as directed by your doctor (for example, nitroglycerin tablets placed under the tongue for chest discomfort, “triptan” drugs like sumatriptan for migraines).
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for instance, if your regular blood pressure readings remain high or increase if your chest pain or migraines occur more frequently ).
Side Effects:
See also the Warning section.
Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, diarrhea, and slow pulse may occur. Decreased sexual ability was reported rarely.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, then tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
To decrease the possibility of nausea and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a lying or sitting position.
This drug may decrease blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Inform your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: quite a slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, blue fingers/toes, trouble breathing, new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, abnormal tiredness, unusual/sudden weight reduction ), mental/mood changes (for example, confusion, mood swings, depression).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help straight away in the event that you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as rash, itching/swelling (particularly of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This isn’t a complete list of potential side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US –
Call your physician for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions:
Before taking metoprolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or into alternative beta-blockers (such as atenolol, propranolol); even in case you have any allergies.
This item may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist for additional information.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain kinds of heart rhythm problems (such as a slow heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), breathing problems (for example, asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), liver disease, heart failure, severe allergic reactions, including those needing treatment with epinephrine, blood flow problems (such as Raynaud’s disease, peripheral vascular disorder ), mental/mood disorders (such as depression), a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis).
Some other important precautions:
Metoprolol Tartrate may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
Do not drive, use machines, or do anything which needs alertness until you are able to do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Talk to your physician if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all of the products that you use (such as prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
If you have diabetes, then this item can mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood glucose falls too low (hypoglycemia).
Other signs of low blood sugar, such as nausea and sweating, are unaffected by this drug. This product may make it more difficult to control your blood glucose.
Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your physician.
Tell your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination.
Your doctor may have to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet plan.
Children could be at greater risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if they are nauseous or not eating regularly.
To help prevent low blood glucose, feed kids on a regular schedule. If your kid cannot eat regularly, is vomiting, or has symptoms of low blood sugar (such as nausea, perspiration ), stop this medication and tell the physician right away.
It might damage an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk but is not likely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your physician prior to breastfeeding.
Drug interactions can change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document doesn’t contain all possible drug interactions.
Keep a listing of all of the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and discuss it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Don’t start, stop, or change the dose of any medications without your doctor’s approval.
A product that may interact with this drug is fingolimod.
Other medicines can impact the removal of metoprolol from your body, which might affect how metoprolol works.
Some products have ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure or worsen your heart failure.
Inform your pharmacist what merchandise you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).
Overdose:
If somebody has overdosed and has serious signs such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away.
US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Symptoms of overdose may include very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, severe fatigue, fainting, trouble breathing.
Do not share this medicine with others.
Speak with your doctor about lifestyle modifications that may assist this medication work better (such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes).
Have your blood pressure and pulse (heartbeat ) checked regularly while taking this medication.
Learn how to check your blood pressure and pulse in your home, and share the results with your doctor.
Laboratory or medical tests (such as liver function tests) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Consult your doctor for additional information.
Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the normal time.
Storage:
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Don’t flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
Properly discard this product when it’s expired or no longer desired. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Warnings:
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.
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.
Ask your friends and loved ones for support.
If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, consider joining a support group or seeking counseling. Believe in your ability to take control of the pain…
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