Product Details
METOPROLOL 50 MG ER
Introduction : Metoprolol 50mg ER (extneded release) is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.
Metoprolol 50mg ER (extneded release) tablets is also used to treat severe chest pain (angina) and lowers the risk of repeated heart attacks. It is given to people who have already had a heart attack. In addition, metoprolol is used to treat patients with heart failure.
This medicine is a beta-blocker. It works by affecting the response to nerve impulses in certain parts of the body, like the heart. As a result, the heart beats slower and decreases the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen is increased to the heart.
This medicine is available only with your doctors prescription.
Indication : Metoprolol 50mg ER (extneded release) tablets are a beta-adrenergic blocker indicated for the treatment of:
Hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions.
Administration : Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many patients feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed
Take the tablet or extended-release tablet with a meal or just after you eat.
Swallow the extended-release capsule or tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage : store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Mechanism of Action : Metoprolol tartrate is a beta-adrenergic blocker with selective activity on beta-1 adrenoreceptors located mainly in cardiac muscles.
Metoprolol is beneficial in angina pectoris treatment by blocking catecholamine-induced increases in heart rate, velocity and extent of myocardial contractility, and blood pressure, resulting in reduced oxygen requirements of the heart. The mechanism of action of metoprolol in myocardial infarction is unknown
Therapeutic : Cardiovascular Agent
Side Effects : Blurred vision; chest pain or discomfort; confusion; dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position; slow or irregular heartbeat; sweating; unusual tiredness or weakness
Contraindications : Evidence and/or expert consensus has demonstrated harmful infant effects when used during breastfeeding.
Avoid use of this drug during pregnancy and prescribe an alternative. Evidence has demonstrated fetal abnormalities or risks when used during pregnancy.
Safety Advice / Warnings : n addition to the use of this medicine, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and changes in the types of food you eat, especially foods high in sodium (salt). Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should first check with your doctor before changing your diet.
This medicine may cause changes in blood sugar levels. Also, this medicine may cover up the symptoms of low blood sugar (including fast heartbeat) and increase the risk for serious or prolonged hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Check with your doctor if you notice a change in your normal symptoms or a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests.
This medicine may cause some people to become less alert than they are normally. If this side effect occurs, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert while taking metoprolol
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting may occur when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem. Also, lying down for a while may relieve the dizziness or lightheadedness.
References : Product Information: Lopressor(R) oral tablets, metoprolol tartrate oral tablets. Validus Pharmaceuticals, LLC (per FDA), Parsippany, NJ, 2013.
Product Information: Lopressor(R) intravenous injection, metoprolol tartrate intravenous injection. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (per FDA), East Hanover, NJ, 2013.