Metoprolol Tartrate; Succinate

Metoprolol (Lopressor, Metoprolol Succinate ER, Toprol-XL, betaloc)


AVAILABLE FORMS:
Metoprolol Succinate
Tablets: (extended release) 25mg; 50mg; 100mg; 200mg
Metoprolol Tartrate
Injection: img/ml in 5ml ampules
Tablets: 50mg; 100mg; 200mg



INDICATIONS:

• Hypertension
• Angina Pectoris

MECHANISM OF ACTION:
Metoprolol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins). A selective beta blocker that selectively blocks beta-adrenergenic receptor.



ADVERSE REACTIONS:
CNS: Fatigue; dizziness, depression; anxiety, nervousness
CV: slow or uneven heartbeats; hypotension; heart failure
GI: vomiting; diarrhea
Respiratory: Dyspnea; feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion
Skin: rash
Others: decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm



EFFECTS ON LAB TEST RESULTS:
May increase transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, LDH, and uric acid level.



CONTRAINDICATIONS:
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. It is contraindicated also to breast-feeding mothers. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to metoprolol. Avoid using metoprolol if you have a heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate; and problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome). pheochromocytoma; or


NURSING CONSIDERATIONS:

1. Metoprolol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
2. Avoid drinking alcohol, which could increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking metoprolol.
3. Store metoprolol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
4. Hypertension often has no symptoms, so you may not even feel that you have high blood pressure. Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
5. Metoprolol should be taken with food or just after a meal.Take this medication with a full glass of water.
6. Metoprolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.