Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Metoprolol? This medicine is often given to treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), or to prevent further damage to the heart after a heart attack. So you probably have a lot of questions about this medicine. "What does this do?", "What should I be concerned about?", "Are there any side effects?" Things like that. Don't worry, we'll talk about all of this simply and clearly today.
Simply put, what is Metoprolol?
Metoprolol is a type of medication. To be precise, it belongs to a class of medications called beta-blockers . It works by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure. Think of your heart as a motor that pumps water to a house. When your blood pressure increases, it means that this motor is working harder and under greater pressure.
Metoprolol works by reducing that pressure, helping the heart pump blood throughout the body more easily without having to work as hard. This gives the heart a break and also controls blood pressure.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health before starting metoprolol. Be sure to tell them about any of the conditions below.
| Your health condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Metoprolol may mask some of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) (e.g., increased heart rate). |
| Heart disease (low heart rate, heart attack, heart block, Raynaud's disease) | This is because this medicine may change existing heart conditions. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Because it can affect the process of removing the medicine from the body. |
| Lung diseases (Asthma, Emphysema) | Some beta-blockers can narrow the airways and worsen asthma. |
| Thyroid disease | This medicine may suppress some symptoms of increased thyroid hormones. |
| Pheochromocytoma | This is a condition of high blood pressure caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland. Other medications may be needed before metoprolol is given. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or Metoprolol | To prevent allergies. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother. | Discuss with the doctor the possible effects on the baby. |
How should I use the medicine?
- Take it correctly: Take this medicine with water every day, exactly as your doctor has prescribed. You can take it before or after meals. But the most important thing is to take it the same way every day (before if you are taking it before meals, after if you are taking it after meals).
- Don't stop taking your medication suddenly: Don't stop taking your medication suddenly unless your doctor tells you to. Doing so may cause your blood pressure to suddenly rise, chest pain to increase, or other serious heart conditions to develop.
- If you miss a dose: 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 two doses at the same time .
- If you take too much medicine: If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share your medicine with others.
Other things that may interact with Metoprolol
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies), as some medications can interact with Metoprolol.
- Other medications for blood pressure and heart disease
- Some medications for depression (e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine, MAO inhibitors)
- Medications like Clonidine, Dobutamine, Epinephrine
- Smoking, alcohol, and other drug use can also affect the effectiveness of this medicine.
Be careful of these things when taking Metoprolol
- Dizziness and drowsiness: Some people may experience dizziness and drowsiness while taking this medication. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Don't get up too quickly: Don't get up suddenly, whether from sitting or lying down. Doing so can cause dizziness and you may fall. Get up slowly. Be especially careful if you are elderly.
- Other medications: Do not take over-the-counter cough, cold, or pain medications without first consulting your doctor. Some medications can increase your blood pressure.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can alter the effects of this medication and increase dizziness. Therefore, it is best to stay away from alcohol.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Metoprolol can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, extreme fatigue. |
| Excessive decrease in blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Excessive decrease in heart rate | Dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue. |
| Raynaud's phenomenon | Fingers or toes become cold, numb, painful, and turn white, blue, or red. |
| Change in mental status | Mood swings, depression. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
|---|---|
| Dizziness | Fatigue |
| Headache | Diarrhea |
| Change in sexual desire or activity | |
Take-Home Message
- Metoprolol is a medication that helps your heart and blood pressure a lot, so don't stop taking it suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take and any medical conditions you have (especially diabetes and asthma).
- As dizziness may occur during the initial period of taking the medicine, be careful when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving. Stand up straight.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or extreme dizziness, see a doctor immediately.
- Check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly while taking this medicine. Don't miss your doctor's appointments.
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