Drug Name:	Metoprolol, Metoprolol Succinate ER, Metorpolol Tartrate
Generic Name:	Lopressor, Toprol-XL
Tablet Strength:	25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
Best Price Per Pill:	$0.45
Payment:	Visa, MasterCard, Amex, PayPal
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Shipment:	Express (1-3 business days), Airmail – Free (5-7 days)
Prescription:	Over the Counter
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About metoprolol:

Metoprolol is a medication that belongs to the group of beta blockers. It is mainly used to treat some of the cardiovascular system diseases, like hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, angina (pain chest) tachycardia, heart failure and sometimes migraine.

Beta blockers are a class of drugs that block the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding to receptors.

When the neurotransmitters are blocked (adrenaline), the heart relaxes and beats more slowly, thus the amount of blood pumped in the vessels will be reduced. This mode of action decreases also the blood pressure.

The active substance metoprolol is formulated as metoprolol succinate (extended release formulation) or metoprolol tartrate (immediate release formulation). 100 mg of metoprolol tartrate is equal to 95 metoprolol succinate.

Metoprolol may be used in combination or not with other medications. Extended realease formulation of metoprolol is combined with other drugs to treat heart failure and high blood pressure.

It is important to emphasize that metoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Lopressor is effective 2 – 3 weeks after regular administration. Don’t stop taking it even if you feel well.

Except the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, metoprolol is used sometimes to prevent migraine headaches, or to treat the side effects of mental illness medications (like irregular heartbeat or movement disorders).

Metoprolol dosage:

If a patient has: Angina (pain/tightness in the chest; blockage of coronary arteries); Hypertension (high blood pressure); Tachycardia (rapid heart rate);

Starting dose: 100 mg by mouth in one dose or in two separate doses. Dose range: 100 to 450 mg/day.

IV route: three doses of 5 mg Metoprolol administered at intervals of 2 minutes time.

Oral route: if the patient gives no sign of complication from the IV route, a total of 15 mg, then a tablet of 50 mg in 6 hour block should start immediately after the IV dose. The 50 mg dose of Metoprolol of up to 200 mg/day should last no more than two days. Afterwards, a dose of 100 mg/day should be the recommended dosage. In the cases of patients who do not respond well to the IV route, a lower tablet dose of 25 mg/6 hours Metoprolol is recommended with the prospect of increasing it to 50 mg/6 hours as the patient’s reaction to the medication improves. After the two day introduction of Metoprolol at about 200 mg/day, a 100 mg intake a day is recommended.

Consumer need to know

Applies to Metoprolol: Oral and Intravenous Administration

Metoprolol and its Side Effects

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Metoprolol is a beta-blocker oral/intravenous medication for the treatment of heart complications. It treats angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high blood pressure); it also treats and prevents heart attacks.

As a beta-blocker, Metoprolol aims at reducing the workload of the heart which in turn effects circulation of blood with direct impact to the respiratory system. Things to watch when taking Metoprolol are:

• tightening and pain in the chest;
• dizziness;
• difficulty breathing;
• water retention (swelling of extremities);
• pain the stomach, nauseating feeling, darkening of urine
• skin gets bruised easily;
• depression, disorientation, nervousness, sleep disturbance;
• diminished sex drive and even impotence.

Patients should call their health care provider immediately if any of the above side effects come with the use of Metoprolol. FDA has specific guidelines with the use of Metoprolol that help improving patient care and lessen the side effects. Some of the guidelines are as follows:

• take the dose as prescribed
• take the dose with food or after the meal (to avoid stomach pain, nausea)
• take the dose at a precise time frame to increase its effect
• when missing a dose, take it right away and resume your dose-intake schedule
• skip the missing dose if the time for the next dose arrives

The prescribed dose of Metoprolol may vary for different patients depending on patient’s health condition. It is important to tell the health care provider on any known health conditions so that the health care provider can adjust the dose accordingly. Certain health conditions make the use of Metoprolol a harming medication. Below are the typical health conditions that make Metoprolol a definte no-no medication:

• congestive heart failure (workload of the heart is diminished; no need to slow it further);
• low blood pressure (Metoprolol lowers blood pressure; no need for further reduction);
• pheochromocytoma (neuroendocrine tumor mainly in the medulla and adrenal glands);
• Raynaud’s syndrome (referring mainly to discoloration of fingers and toes);
• asthma, bronchitis, emphysema (it effects the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood);
• diabetes mellitus (its association with the cardiovascular disease)
• depression (beta-blockers are known to cause depression)
• anomalies of the liver and kidney
• disorder of thyroid
• respiratory disorders and allergies

Metoprolol

(me toe' proe lole)

Brand name(s): Lopressor; Toprol XL

Why is Lopressor prescribed?

Metoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure. It also is used to prevent angina (chest pain) and heart attacks. It works by relaxing your blood vessels so your heart doesn't have to pump as hard. Lopressor is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Are there OTHER USES for Lopressor? Metoprolol also is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

How should Lopressor be used?

Metoprolol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. The extended-release (long-acting) product usually is taken once a day. Immediate-acting metoprolol may be taken two, three, or four times a day. The number of doses depends on why it is being taken. Do not cut, crush, or chew extended-release tablets; swallow them whole. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metoprolol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Metoprolol helps control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to take metoprolol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking metoprolol without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking metoprolol, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metoprolol or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for migraine headaches, asthma, allergies, colds, or pain; other medications for heart or high blood pressure; reserpine; and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or other lung disease; heart, liver, or kidney disease; diabetes; circulation problems; severe allergies; or thyroid problems. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking metoprolol, call your doctor. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking metoprolol. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Take metoprolol with or immediately following a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day. Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Lopressor cause?

Although side effects from metoprolol are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: dizziness or lightheadedness excessive tiredness upset stomach vomiting diarrhea constipation rash cold hands and feet If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: difficulty breathing sore throat and fever unusual bleeding swelling of the feet or hands unusual weight gain chest pain slow, irregular heartbeat

What storage conditions are needed for Lopressor?

Keep Lopressor in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.