Metoprolol helps to keep your blood pressure under control.
It is also used to treat angina pectoris (chest pain), heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), and irregular or abnormal heartbeats.
This medicine may also be used to reduce risks of complications after a heart attack.
Metoprolol may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Metoprolol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different preparations of this medicine may be taken differently. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a conventional tablet and extended-release tablet or capsule.
If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet (usually labelled as "XL"), swallow it whole. The tablet may be divided in half. Do not chew or crush the tablet.
If you are taking the extended-release capsule, swallow it whole or you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a small amount (1 teaspoonful) of soft food (e.g. applesauce, yoghurt, pudding). The mixture must be consumed within 60 minutes and not stored for future use.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of the treatment depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Metoprolol must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- serious heart disease or problem e.g. heart block (2nd or 3rd degree), uncontrolled heart failure, slow heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome (abnormal heart rhythms due to problems with the heart's natural pacemaker) unless a permanent pacemaker is in place
- severe blood vessel problem
- low blood pressure
- untreated phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour in the adrenal glands causing high blood pressure)
- metabolic acidosis (a condition wherein there is excessive acid in the body fluids)
- severe asthma
as Metoprolol may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of severe allergic reaction to allergens
- diabetes
- heart block (1st degree)
- bronchospasm (breathing distress caused by narrowing of the airways) or other lung diseases
- psoriasis (a type of skin disease that causes itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales)
- muscle weakness disorder
- thyroid problems
- blood circulation disorder
- Prinzmetal's angina (a rare type of chest pain that occurs when a person is at rest)
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Metoprolol to an elderly person. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Individuals' genetic traits are unique from each other. Researchers say that certain genetic traits can affect this drug's effectiveness. Though not routinely done, but in some exceptional cases, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if this drug is best suited for you.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Routine monitoring of heart rate, heart rhythm, and blood pressure may be needed while you are being treated with this medicine.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises, such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart, and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Metoprolol may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, constipation, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, cold hands or feet, rash, and nightmares.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- new or worsening chest pain
- severe dizziness, fainting or passing out
- unusual changes in mood (being too depressed)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure e.g. clonidine, verapamil, diltiazem, reserpine
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. quinidine, digoxin, propafenone
- medicines to treat depression e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, bupropion, desipramine
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, thioridazine
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir
- certain medicines for cold or allergy e.g. diphenhydramine
- medicines for malaria e.g. hydroxychloroquine
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. terbinafine
- cimetidine (medicine for stomach ulcer)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- medicines to block pain and sensation
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. indometacin
- ergotamine (medicine for migraine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Metoprolol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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