Metoprolol Tartrate

Pronunciation

Metoprolol tartrate 100mg

Metoprolol tartrate 50mg

Metoprolol succinate 25mg

Generic Name:	Metoprolol Tartrate, Metoprolol succinate
Class:	Cardiovascular Drug
Subclass:	Beta blocker
Legal Classification:

Drug Name

Generic Name 藥物化學名稱	HA Code 藥物代碼	Legal Classification 法律藥物分類	Brand Name
Metoprolol Tartrate Tablet 25mg			LOPRESSOR
Metoprolol Tartrate Tablet 37.5mg
Metoprolol Tartrate Tablet 50mg	METO07
Metoprolol Tartrate Tablet 75mg
Metoprolol Tartrate Tablet 100mg	METO06
Metoprolol Succinate Tablet 25mg	METO16		BETALOC ZOK
Metoprolol Succinate Tablet 50mg	METO13
Metoprolol Succinate Tablet 100mg	METO10
Metoprolol Succinate Tablet 200mg	METO11

Mechanism of Action

Metoprolol is a β1-selective (cardio-selective) beta-blocker. It works by blocking the action of epinephrine (adrenaline) on beta-1 receptors in the heart. This slows the heart rate, reduces force of heart contractions, oxygen demand and decreases blood pressure.

Route of Administration

Metoprolol is available for:

• Oral administration as immediate-release and extended-release tablets
• Intravenous injection (given by healthcare providers)

Dosages

• Hypertension
  • Immediate-release: Typical starting 50 mg once daily, up to 400 mg/day maximum
  • Extended-release: Typical starting 100 mg once daily, up to 400 mg/day maximum
• Heart failure: dosage not specified
  • Immediate-release: Typical 25-100 mg twice daily
  • Extended-release: Typical 25-200 mg once daily
• Diabetic kidney disease: Dosage not specified, adjust based on patient response.

Side Effects

The following definitions of frequencies are used:

Very common ≥ 1/10

Common ≥ 1/100 to < 1/10

Uncommon ≥1/1,000 to <1/100

Rare ≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000

Very rare < 1/10,000

System Organ Class	Frequency	Adverse reactions
Nervous system disorders	Common	Dizzinss, Fatigue, Memory problem
	Uncommon	Depression, Confusion, Insomnia
	Rare	Nightmares
Skin disorders	Uncommon	Rash
Gastro-intestinal disorders	Common	Diarrhoea

Pharmacokinetics

• Well absorbed from GI tract
• Extensively metabolized in liver
• Elimination half-life 6-7 hours
• Excreted in urine

Drug Management

Safety

Metoprolol has a boxed warning about not stopping it suddenly, as it may worsen chest pain, increase blood pressure, or cause a heart attack. Stopping should be done gradually under medical supervision.

Contraindicated in heart block, sick sinus syndrome, severe bradycardia, severe circulation problems, severe heart failure.

Caution in asthma, COPD, diabetes, liver disease.

Pregnancy

Metoprolol is classified as pregnancy category C. It should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breastfeeding

Present in breast milk at low levels. Caution advised as it may cause effects in infant.

Children and Elderly

• Children: Dosage not established

• Elderly: May need lower doses due to age-related decreased kidney function

Renal Impairment

No dosage adjustment provided in labeling. Use with caution in severe renal impairment.

Monitoring Requirments

Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, signs of worsening heart failure, bronchospasm, and blood glucose levels (in diabetics) during metoprolol therapy.

Drug Interactions

Metoprolol can interact with calcium channel blockers, digoxin, epinephrine (adrenaline), antidepressants, antipsychotics, anesthetics, and many other drugs. Careful monitoring is required.

FAQs

How should I take the tablet?

Take orally with or without food as prescribed. Swallow extended-release capsules whole.

What should I avoid while taking?

Avoid driving or hazardous tasks until you know how metoprolol affects you. Avoid alcohol and decongestants as these may increase some side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's near the next dose time, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.