We all know that a heart attack is a very serious condition. At that time, your heart can be seriously damaged. So, doctors try very hard to minimize that damage and restore the heart to normal. In such a case, today we are talking about a special injection that is given to help the heart and reduce the load on it. That is Metoprolol. It is also commonly known by the brand name Lopressor.
What is Metoprolol?
Simply put, Metoprolol is a drug that reduces the risk of death after a heart attack . It belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers.
Think of it this way: our heart is like a pump that works non-stop. After a heart attack, this pump becomes a little tired and exhausted. So what the Metoprolol injection does is to slow down the beating of that tired heart and lower the blood pressure. This reduces the workload on the heart and gives it a little rest. Then the heart can pump blood to the whole body easily and without much effort. This gives the heart the time and relief it needs to heal.
Things you need to tell your doctor before giving this medicine
Before you are given Metoprolol, it is very important to inform your medical team about your health condition. Because some medical conditions require special care when using this medicine. If you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Situation or problem | What you should be aware of |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | If you have diabetes. |
| Heart disease or blood vessel problems | Conditions such as very low heart rate, severe heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or Raynaud's disease. |
| Kidney disease | If you have any kidney disease. |
| Liver disease | If you have any liver disease. |
| Respiratory diseases | Lung diseases such as asthma or emphysema. |
| Other diseases | If you have pheochromocytoma or thyroid disease. |
| Allergies | If you have had an allergic reaction to metoprolol, another beta-blocker, another medicine, food, or dye. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How is this vaccine used?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Metoprolol is an injection into a vein . This means it is only given in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of medical staff.
Important: This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others. Also, because it is given in a hospital, you don't have to worry about missing a dose.
What if the dose increases? (Overdosage)
Since this is given in a hospital, the medical staff will be very careful about the correct dosage. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed, inform a doctor or nurse immediately. In an emergency, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or you should immediately go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, some medications can interact with Metoprolol. This is called a drug interaction. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
In particular, please inform us if you are using the following medications:
- Other medications for blood pressure, heart disease, and irregular heartbeat
- Some medications for mental illnesses such as depression (e.g. monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, fluoxetine, paroxetine)
- Clonidine
- Dobutamine
- Epinephrine
- Isoproterenol
- Reserpine
This list is not complete. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all the non-prescription drugs, herbs, and dietary supplements you are taking. Don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Metoprolol can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effects that should be reported to your medical team 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, and feeling unusually tired. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Raynaud's phenomenon | Coldness, numbness, pain, and turning white, blue, or red in the hands or feet. |
| Slow heartbeat | Dizziness, fainting, confusion, difficulty breathing, unusual tiredness. |
| Change in mental status | Feelings of frustration, depression. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the medical team if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Diarrhea | |
| Dizziness | |
| Fatigue | |
| Headache | |
This list may not include all side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, please let your healthcare team know.
Take-Home Message
- The Metoprolol injection is a special medicine that gives the heart a rest and protects it after a heart attack.
- This is given in a hospital as an injection into a vein. It is not a medicine for home use.
- It is extremely important to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially diabetes, asthma, other heart conditions) and all medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as dizziness, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the limbs, notify the medical staff immediately .
- If you have any further questions about this medication, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. The most important thing is to be informed about your health.
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