Lopressor

Generic Name: Metoprolol

US Brand Name: Lopressor

Other Brand/Trade Names: Metoprolol is marketed under many trade names around the world, including: Toprol-XL, Betaloc, Selokeen, Meprolol, Metomerck, Seloken

Uses

Metoprolol is prescribed for patients with high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to treat chest pain (angina pectoris) related to coronary artery disease. Metoprolol is also useful in slowing and regulating certain types of abnormally rapid heart rates. Other uses for Metoprolol include the prevention of migraine headache and the treatment of certain types of tremors.

Active Ingredients: Metoprolol

Inactive Ingredients: Silicon dioxide, cellulose compounds, sodium stearyl fumarate, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, paraffin.

Dosage and Forms

Metoprolol comes as tablets and injection solution. On our site Metoprolol is available in tablets.

Metoprolol should be taken before meals or at bedtime. The dose for treating hypertension is 100-450 mg daily in single or divided doses. Angina is treated with 100-400 mg daily in two divided doses. Acute myocardial infarction is treated with three 5 mg injections administered 2 minutes apart followed by treatment with 50 mg oral Metoprolol every 6 hours for 48 hours. After 48 hours, patients should receive 100 mg orally twice daily for at least 3 months.

Symptoms of overdose may include a slow heart beat, shortness of breath, fainting, dizziness, weakness, confusion, nausea, and vomiting.

Contraindications and Precautions

You should not take Metoprolol if you:

• Are allergic to Metoprolol, other beta blockers, or any inactive component used to make Metoprolol.
• Have a slow heartbeat (less than 45 beats a minute).
• Have certain types of irregular heart rhythms.
• Have serious congestive heart failure.
• Have sick sinus syndrome.

Prior to taking Metoprolol, you should tell your healthcare provider if you have: heart disease, including congestive heart failure, a history of heart attack, or an irregular heart rhythm

Side Effects

This drug may cause following serious side effects : an allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, little or no urine, an irregular heartbeat or changes in your heartbeat, chest pain, severe dizziness or fainting, or signs of an infection including a sore throat or a fever. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Metoprolol and talk to your doctor if you experience mild dizziness or lightheadedness, headache, unusual fatigue or weakness, dry, tickling cough, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms or legs, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, a rash or impotence.

Interactions

Check with your doctor before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe. Especially pay attention to the following drugs: Reserpine; Clonidine; Amiodarone; Cimetidine; Fluoxetine; Paroxetine; Bupropion ; Thioridazine; Quinidine; Propafenone; Ritonavir; Diphenhydramine; Hydroxychloroquine; Terbinafine; Calcium channel blockers; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).