Why it is Prescribed
Metoprolol is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It also is used to prevent angina (chest pain) and to treat heart attacks. Extended-release (long-acting) metoprolol also is used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Metoprolol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by slowing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard.
Important Warning
Do not stop taking metoprolol without talking to your doctor. Suddenly stopping metoprolol may cause chest pain or heart attack. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
How it Works
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Why it is Prescribed
Metoprolol is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It also is used to prevent angina (chest pain) and to treat heart attacks. Extended-release (long-acting) metoprolol also is used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Metoprolol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by slowing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard.
Important Warning
Do not stop taking metoprolol without talking to your doctor. Suddenly stopping metoprolol may cause chest pain or heart attack. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
How it Works
Metoprolol comes as a tablet and an extended-release tablet to take by mouth. The regular tablet is usually taken once or twice a day with meals or immediately after meals. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take metoprolol, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metoprolol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
The long-acting tablet may be split. Swallow the whole or half tablets whole; do not chew or crush them.
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Other Uses
Metoprolol is also used sometimes to prevent migraine headaches and to treat irregular heartbeat and movement disorders caused by medications for mental illness. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
dizziness
fainting
difficulty breathing or swallowing
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Precautions
Before taking metoprolol,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metoprolol, acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin, in Tenoretic), betaxolol (Kerlone), bisoprolol (Zebeta, in Ziac), carvedilol (Coreg), Esmolol (Brevibloc), labetalol (Trandate), nadolol (Corgard, in Corzide), pindolol, propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA, Innopran XL, in Inderide), sotalol (Betapace, Betapace AF, Sorine), timolol (Blocadren, in Timolide), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in metoprolol tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: bupropion (Wellbutrin), cimetidine (Tagamet), clonidine (Catapres), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), hydroxychloroquine, paroxetine (Paxil), propafenone (Rythmol), quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex), ranitidine (Zantac), reserpine (Serpalan, Serpasil, Serpatab), ritonavir (Norvir), terbinafine (Lamisil),and thioridazine (Mellaril), Your doctor may need to change the doses ...
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Possible Side Effects
Metoprolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
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Special Dietary Concerns
If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.
Storage Conditions
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
