Has your doctor prescribed you this medicine called Metoprolol for high blood pressure, or as we all know it, "pressure", or for some heart condition? Or have you been given this medicine for chest pain (angina)? So it's normal to have some questions and curiosity about this medicine. So today, let's talk about what kind of medicine is Metoprolol, how does it work in our body, and what we need to be especially careful about when using this medicine.
What is Metoprolol? What does it do to the body?
Simply put, Metoprolol is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers . Think of our heart as a small engine. When we have high blood pressure or a heart attack, this engine works faster and harder than it should. This is not good for the heart.
Metoprolol works by slowing down the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. This reduces the workload on the heart, allowing it to pump blood more easily throughout the body. This helps control high blood pressure, reduce chest pain, and help the heart recover after a heart attack.
If you have been prescribed 'Extended-Release' capsules, this means that the medicine is designed to be released into the body gradually, over a 24-hour period. This means that you only need to take it once a day.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before starting any medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Especially before starting Metoprolol, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes: This medication may mask some of the symptoms of low blood sugar (for example, rapid heartbeat). Therefore, if you have diabetes, it is important to tell your doctor about it.
- Heart disease: Tell us about any other heart conditions you already have (especially conditions like very slow heartbeats).
- Liver disease: If the liver function is poor, it may take longer for the medication to leave the body.
- Lung disease: If you have a respiratory disease like asthma, some beta-blockers are not suitable. Therefore, you should inform your doctor about this.
- Thyroid disease: Some symptoms of hyperthyroidism may be suppressed by this medication.
- Pheochromocytoma: This is a rare tumor that occurs in the adrenal gland.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to metoprolol or any other beta-blocker, any other medicine, food, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: Talk to your doctor about this.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: It is important to inform the doctor about this as well.
How should I use the medicine?
It is very important to follow the exact instructions for using this medicine.
Most importantly: Since you have been given an "Extended-Release" capsule, never break, crush, or chew the capsule. Swallow the capsule whole with water. If you break it, you may release too much of the medicine into your body at once, which can cause dangerous side effects.
- If you have difficulty swallowing: Sometimes, for those who have difficulty swallowing these capsules, you can carefully open the capsule, mix the small pills inside with about a teaspoon of applesauce, and swallow them whole without chewing . However, it is best to consult your doctor before doing this.
- At the same time every day: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day. This will help keep the levels of the medicine in your body consistent.
- Don't stop: Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to. Stopping the medicine suddenly is dangerous. Doing so can cause increased chest pain, a sudden increase in blood pressure, and possibly even a heart attack. If you do stop, do so as directed by your doctor, gradually reducing the dose.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you accidentally take too much medicine, it can be dangerous. If this happens, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Dizziness and drowsiness: Some people may feel a little drowsy and dizzy when they first start using this medication. Therefore, stay away from dangerous activities like driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Don't get up suddenly: Especially if you are an elderly person, don't get up suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying position. Get up slowly. If you get up suddenly, your blood pressure can drop, causing you to feel dizzy and fall.
- Other medications: Some over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, and pain can increase your blood pressure. So, consult your doctor before taking any other medication.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication and increase side effects, such as dizziness. So talk to your doctor about alcohol use.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking. Some medications may interact with Metoprolol.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, Metoprolol can cause some side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Although most of the time these are minor, there are some things we should be aware of.
| Metoprolol Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately: | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet or hands, sudden weight gain, extreme fatigue. |
| Low blood pressure | Severe dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Slow heartbeat | Dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue. |
| Raynaud's phenomenon | Fingers and toes become cold, numb, painful, and turn white, blue, or red. |
| Change in mental status | Feelings of depression or worsening of existing conditions. |
| Side effects that usually go away, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist: | |
| Slight dizziness | Especially in the first few days after starting the medication. |
| Fatigue | Feeling of lifelessness. |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence. |
| Changes in sexual function | Decreased sexual desire or other difficulties. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Metoprolol is a beta-blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease. It controls heart rate and blood pressure.
- If you have been given an 'Extended-Release' capsule, never break, chew, or crush it. Swallow it whole.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. It can be very dangerous.
- Tell your doctor about other medical conditions, such as diabetes and asthma, before starting the medication.
- As dizziness and drowsiness may occur while taking the medication, avoid risky activities such as driving until your body adjusts to it.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any severe side effects such as difficulty breathing, unusual swelling of the extremities, or severe dizziness.
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