It also treats chronic (long-term)angina (chest pain)and heart stress following aheart attack.
Metoprolol is often a first-line drug of choice for people with heart conditions.
However, starting and stopping the use of metoprolol should be done carefully and as prescribed.
Skynesher / Getty Images
Skynesher / Getty Images
How Does Metoprolol Work?
Beta-blockers, like metoprolol, are also referred to as beta-adrenergic blocking agents.
This inhibitory effect causes the blood vessels to relax.
The relaxation of blood vessels slows the heart rate and reduces the hearts need for oxygen.
This, in turn, helps to lower blood pressure and relieve chest pain.
Metoprolol is also combined with adiuretic (water pill)hydrochlorothiazide.
The combination is available under Lopressor HCT to treat high blood pressure.
Metoprolol relaxes blood vessels by acting on specific receptors to enhance blood flow and decrease blood pressure.
So, you’ll need to follow the precise instructions laid out by your healthcare provider.
Also, your healthcare provider will determine the metoprolol dose considering age, body weight, and health condition.
It can be highly life-threatening.
Who Should Use Metoprolol?
Hypertension causes the heart to pump blood harder.
An average blood pressure level is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
If hypertension is not controlled and treated, it can be life-threatening.
It is caused when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood as it needs.
Angina is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying cardiac problem such as ischemic heart disease.
Who Shouldn’t Take Metoprolol?
Like all drugs, metoprolol carries the potential for adverse effects.
Severe Side Effects
Metoprolol may cause some severe side effects.
As explained earlier, tachycardia and hypertension are common in withdrawal syndrome.
What Drugs Interact With Metoprolol?
Metoprolol interacts with certain drugswhen used together.
Closely monitor when taking these drugs together.
Always tell your healthcare provider about all your drugs before starting metoprolol.
Your healthcare provider may alter the dose of these medicines to avoid any interactions.
Summary
Metoprolol is widely prescribed to manage and treat various cardiovascular disorders.
It is available in multiple brand and generic names in different dosage forms.
Metoprolol is used alone and in combination with other cardiovascular drugs.
Metoprolol is generally safe and effective but must only be used as prescribed.
The most critical warning regarding using metoprolol is how to stop taking it.
All brands and generic version of metoprolol comes with a boxed warning about the sudden discontinuation of the drug.
It is necessary to slowly reduce the dose over some time and then stop the drug.
Your healthcare provider will taper the dose and monitor you for side effects.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children and pets.
However, do not flush your medicines down the toilet.
The best way to discard unwanted medication is through a drug take-back program.
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