Has your doctor prescribed you to use the drug Metoprolol? Or does a family member or friend use this drug? It's normal to feel a little curious, and maybe even a little scared, when you hear the name of this drug. "What disease is this given for?", "What will happen to it?", "What should I be careful about when using it?" You probably have many questions in your mind. So today, let's talk about what this Metoprolol is, what it does to our body, and what things to be careful about when using it, in a very simple way that you can understand.
What kind of medicine is Metoprolol really?
Simply put, Metoprolol is a medication used to treat conditions like high blood pressure and heart failure . It is also used to prevent angina , a condition that causes chest pain.
Now let's see how this works. This medicine lowers your blood pressure and heart rate. This means that your heart can pump blood throughout your body more easily and without having to work so hard. This is like a car engine running at a normal speed instead of racing. This medicine belongs to a group of drugs called beta blockers . You may have heard your doctor call it this.
In addition to the above-mentioned conditions, doctors may prescribe this medicine for other medical needs. So if you have any questions, ask your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before you start using Metoprolol, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you have diabetes .
- Other heart or blood vessel conditions: For example, if you have an unusually slow heartbeat, worsening heart failure, heart block, or a condition like sick sinus syndrome.
- If you have liver disease .
- Lung or breathing diseases: Especially if you have diseases like asthma or COPD .
- If you have a cancerous condition of the adrenal gland called pheochromocytoma .
- If you have thyroid disease .
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergy to metoprolol or any other medicine . Also, tell your doctor if you have any allergies to foods, preservatives, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Telling your doctor about these things without hiding them is very important for your safety.
How to use the medicine correctly?
For a medicine to work properly, it must be used as directed. Here's how to use metoprolol extended-release capsules (that is, capsules that are designed to release the medicine slowly into the body).
- Swallow this medicine with a glass of water. Make a habit of taking this medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor.
- Very important: Do not break, crush, or chew this medicine. This is designed to be absorbed into the body, so doing so may cause an overdose and side effects. Swallow the medicine whole.
- If you suddenly have difficulty swallowing the capsule, you can carefully open the capsule and sprinkle about a teaspoon of the small medicinal seeds inside on a soft food such as yogurt, pudding, or apple mousse, and swallow it all at once without chewing. But don't keep it for too long after mixing it with such food, you should swallow it right away.
- This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, it is best to take it after or with a meal. The most important thing is that you take it the same way every day (before a meal if you take it before a meal, or after a meal if you take it after a meal).
- Continue using this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
Never stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, thinking you are doing well. Doing so may increase your risk of developing serious conditions such as chest pain and heart attack.
Is this medicine given to children?
In some special cases, this medicine can be prescribed to children over 6 years of age. However, this is decided by a pediatrician. Therefore, special care should be taken if this medicine is given to a child.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you suspect you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Important note: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share this medicine with others, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
We can't always be the same. Sometimes, work can cause you to miss a dose. If that happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember (for example, it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Other medications that may interact with Metoprolol
If you are taking other medications while taking Metoprolol, some medications may interact with each other. This means that one medication may change the way another works. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, Sinhala, Ayurvedic, vitamins, and traditional medicines).
Some medications that may interact with metoprolol include:
- Epinephrine
- MAOIs (some medications for mental illness)
- NSAIDS (pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen and naproxen)
- Some other medications for blood pressure, heart disease, or irregular heartbeat.
This list is not complete, so it's best to inform your doctor about all medications you take.
Things you should be careful about while taking this medicine
Metoprolol is a long-term medication, so you may need to make some changes to your lifestyle during this time.
- See your doctor regularly: Don't forget to go to the clinic on the days your doctor prescribes to check on your condition.
- Measure your blood pressure: If you have a blood pressure monitor at home, measure and record your blood pressure regularly as directed by your doctor. Know what your normal blood pressure should be and when it should be high enough to call your doctor.
- A healthy lifestyle: Taking this medicine alone is not enough. You can improve your health by eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
- Cough and cold medicine: Ask your doctor before taking any over-the-counter cough, cold, or other pain medication while you are taking this medicine. Some medications can increase your blood pressure.
- Dizziness and driving: This medicine may make some people feel dizzy or drowsy. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand up slowly when you get up from a sitting position or out of bed. Drinking alcohol can make this dizziness worse.
- Special note for people with diabetes: This is very important if you have diabetes. This medicine may mask some of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as rapid heartbeat and shakiness. Therefore, it is important to check your blood sugar levels regularly while you are taking this medicine.
- Surgery: If you are scheduled to have surgery or other medical procedures, tell the doctor in advance that you are taking Metoprolol.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, Metoprolol can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. Some of these are serious, while others are common. The important thing is to be aware of them.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Worsening heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, and feeling unusually tired. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Raynaud's phenomenon | Fingers or toes become cold, numb, painful, and turn white, blue, or red. |
| Slow heartbeat | Dizziness, fainting, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, unusual weakness. |
| Change in mental status | Feeling depressed or anxious. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist: | |
| Changes in sexual function | Decreased sexual desire or changes in function. |
| Stomach discomfort | Diarrhea. |
| Other | Dizziness, fatigue, headache. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different or unusual, don't be afraid to ask your doctor about it.
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
- Do not use expired medicine.
How do I dispose of unused or expired medicine?
Do not flush expired medication down the toilet or simply throw it in the trash. The safest way is to take the medication capsules out of their packaging, mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put them in a sealable bag or container, and throw them in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Metoprolol is an important medication for high blood pressure and heart disease. Always take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time.
- Avoid stopping this medication suddenly for any reason without your doctor's advice. It can be dangerous.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, any other medical conditions you have, and any allergies you have.
- Be careful when driving and performing hazardous tasks, as dizziness may occur when taking this medicine.
- If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels frequently, as some symptoms of low blood sugar may be hidden by this medication.
- If you experience any unusual or serious side effects (especially difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, body swelling), seek medical advice immediately.
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