WHAT IS METOPROLOL?
Metoprolol is a prescription medication. It is available in immediate-release and extended-release oral tablets, as well as extended-release oral capsules. It is also available in an injectable form that can only be administered by a healthcare provider.
Metoprolol oral pills are marketed under the brand names Lopressor and Toprol XL. They are also accessible as generic medications. Generic medications are typically less expensive than brand-name equivalents. In some cases, they may not be accessible in all strengths or forms as brand-name pharmaceuticals.
The two brand-name formulations of metoprolol (as well as the several generic varieties) are distinct medications. They're both metoprolol, but the salt versions are different. Toprol-XL is metoprolol succinate, whereas Lopressor is metoprolol tartrate. Because of the many salt forms, the medications can be utilized to treat a variety of illnesses.
Metoprolol succinate is an extended-release form of metoprolol, which means it stays in your circulation for a longer period of time. Metoprolol tartrate is an immediate-release form of metoprolol.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TAKE METOPROLOL?
Metoprolol should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. All drug guides or instruction sheets should be read, and all directions on your prescription label should be followed. Your doctor may modify your dose from time to time. Metoprolol should be taken with food or shortly after. Take the drug at the same time every day. Without crushing, chewing, breaking, or opening the pill, swallow it whole.
You may cut a Toprol XL tablet in half if your doctor has instructed you to do so.
Without chewing or crushing, swallow the half-tablet whole.
Without chewing or crushing, swallow the half-tablet whole.
Carefully measure liquid medication. Use the included dosage syringe or a pharmaceutical dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
You will require frequent medical tests, and your blood pressure will need to be examined on a regular basis.
If you require surgery, inform the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking this medication.
You should not stop taking this medication suddenly. Stopping abruptly may aggravate your issue.
Even if you feel OK, continue taking metoprolol if you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure symptoms are not always present. This medication may be required for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature to keep moisture and heat at bay
Metoprolol injection is administered by venous infusion. This injection will be administered by a healthcare provider in a medical setting where your heart rate and blood pressure may be monitored. The injections are only administered for a brief period of time before you are switched to the oral form of this medication.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF METOPROLOL ORAL TABLET?
Metoprolol oral pills, like most medications, can have mild to severe side effects. The following lists describe some of the most typical side effects that this medication may induce. These lists do not include all of the potential negative effects.
More information about the potential adverse effects of metoprolol oral tablets can be obtained from your doctor or pharmacist. They can also recommend measures to lessen adverse effects.
THE MILD SIDE EFFECTS
Here is a summary of some of the moderate side effects of metoprolol oral pills. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other minor side effects, or see the prescription instructions for metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate.
Mild adverse effects of metoprolol oral pills have been described, and here are some of them:
1. Feeling more fatigued than normal
2. Rash
3. Dizziness
4. Hair thinning
5. Headache
6. Dry mouth
7. Insomnia
8. Reduced heart rate
9. Palpitations in the heart
10. Wheezing or lack of breath
11. Chilly sensation in your hands and feet.
Mild side effects of many medications may disappear within a few days or weeks. However, if they become troublesome, see your doctor or pharmacist.
SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS
Serious side effects from metoprolol oral tablets are possible, but they are uncommon. If you experience major adverse effects from metoprolol oral tablets, contact your doctor straight once. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects of metoprolol oral pills have been documented, including:
1. Reaction to allergies
2. Depression
3. Low blood pressure
4. Cardiac issues if the medication is abruptly discontinued
5. Failure of the heart
6. In older adults, the risk of side effects is higher.
COMBINING METOPROLOL ORAL TABLET WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS
In many circumstances, your doctor may advise you to use metoprolol in conjunction with other medications for your illness.
For example, to control blood pressure, doctors may prescribe a number of drugs. It's conceivable that you'll take metoprolol together with another blood pressure medicine if you have high blood pressure.
Other blood pressure drugs that may be prescribed include:
1. hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
2. lisinopril (Prinivil)
3. amlodipine (Norvasc)
4. losartan (Cozaar)
Consult your doctor about the best treatment approach for your specific illness. They will advise you if you should use metoprolol oral pills in conjunction with other medications.
IS IT POSSIBLE FOR METOPROLOL TO PROMOTE WEIGHT GAIN?
Weight gain has been noted as a rare side effect of metoprolol. However, it is unknown how frequently this side effect occurs or whether metoprolol actually causes it.
Furthermore, weight gain can occur as a result of heart failure, which metoprolol is intended to treat. In rare situations, metoprolol may aggravate heart failure symptoms. For example, if your metoprolol dose is increased, you may experience greater symptoms of heart failure. So, if you observe any changes in your heart failure symptoms, including weight gain, be sure to notify your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you gain weight while taking metoprolol. They will assist you in determining what is causing the weight increase.
WARNINGS
If you have certain medical disorders or other circumstances that affect your health, metoprolol oral pills may not be suited for you. Before taking metoprolol oral pills, discuss your medical history with your doctor. Among the factors to consider are those listed below.
1. Certain cardiac diseases: Metoprolol oral pills should not be taken if you have certain heart issues. Sinus bradycardia, heart block, shock, some types of heart failure, sick sinus syndrome, and significant blood circulation issues are among these disorders. Metoprolol should not be used if you have any of the following conditions. Taking metoprolol if you have any of these cardiac issues can be dangerous. Your doctor will most likely advise you to try a different drug.
2. Slow heart rate: Metoprolol will reduce your heart rate even more if you already have a slow heart rate. In fact, using metoprolol oral pills is contraindicated if your heart rate is less than 45 beats per minute. (A contraindication is a reason why you should not use a particular drug.) If your heart rate is too low, your doctor will most likely advise you to try a new medicine.
3. Allergic reactions: You should not take metoprolol oral pills if you have had an adverse response to them or any of their constituents. Inquire with your doctor about other medications that may be a better fit for you.
4. Problems with the liver: If you have a history of liver problems, see your doctor before taking metoprolol oral tablets. Metoprolol is eliminated from the body through the liver. If your liver isn't performing properly, the medicine may accumulate in your body. This can raise your chances of experiencing negative effects. If you have any liver problems, your doctor may advise you to start taking metoprolol at a lower dose than usual.
5. Thyroid issues: If you have thyroid issues, metoprolol may help to alleviate your symptoms. As a result, you may be unaware that your thyroid hormone levels are incorrect. This can be dangerous in some circumstances. Furthermore, abruptly discontinuing metoprolol can result in a thyroid storm. This is a potentially fatal disorder caused by an overactive thyroid. Tell your doctor before starting metoprolol if you have any thyroid issues. They may suggest a new medicine for you or evaluate your thyroid more frequently than normal throughout treatment.
6. Diseases of the lungs such as asthma or COPD: If you have a lung problem such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your doctor may advise you to take a different medicine. This is due to the fact that metoprolol oral pills may impair your breathing and exacerbate your lung condition. Tell your doctor if you have any lung issues before taking metoprolol. They may advise you to use another drug. Alternatively, they may monitor you more frequently than normal during treatment.
7. Diabetes or hypoglycemia: Metoprolol may hide or reduce symptoms of low blood sugar. So, if you have diabetes or a low blood sugar level, it's critical that you know how to diagnose low blood sugar. Then you can start treating it immediately away. Untreated hypoglycemia might lead to significant problems. If you're taking metoprolol, your doctor may advise you to check your blood sugar levels more frequently than normal. Alternatively, they may advise you to take a different drug.
8. Problems with blood circulation: If you have a problem with your blood circulation, metoprolol can aggravate it. Tell your doctor before starting metoprolol if you have any blood circulation issues. They may advise you to take a different drug.
CONCLUSION
Remember to keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children, to never share your medications with others, and to only use this medicine for the indication indicated.
Always check with your healthcare practitioner to ensure that the information on this page pertains to your specific situation.
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