Metoprolol

Metoprolol is a medication used for the treatment of hypertension, high blood pressure, and angina which is a chest pain caused due to insufficient supply of blood to the heart. Metoprolol in combination with other medicines is also used to treat heart failure. It is used to improve the chances of survival after a heart attack.

This drug works by relaxing your blood vessels and slowing the heart rate to improve proper circulation of oxygenated blood all over the body.

Metoprolol comes from a class of drugs known as Beta-blockers. They work by blocking the effects of a hormone called adrenaline, also known as epinephrine. Lower levels of adrenaline in the blood stream cause the heart to beat more slowly and with less force, which lowers the overall blood pressure of the body.

Hypertension is a common condition. What makes it dangerous is that it typically does not show any symptoms and it can lead to severe health problems like heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. By reducing the blood pressure, Metoprolol reduces the strain on the heart and allows blood to be pumped easily throughout the body reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases and kidney problems.

Metoprolol is a prescription drug used to treat coronary heart diseases like hypertension and angina pectoris. Regular treatment with Metoprolol has following benefits:

• It lowers blood pressure
• It reduces angina pain
• It improves chances of survival after a heart attack
• It relaxes blood vessels
• It slows the heart rate and reduces strain on cardiac muscles

Metoprolol should be administered exactly as prescribed by your physician.

• Metoprolol comes as an immediate release tablet and an extended-release tablet that is taken orally.
• The immediate release Metoprolol tablet is taken once or twice a day with meals or immediately after meals.
• The extended release pill is generally only taken one time a day.
• Tablets should be swallowed whole with water.
• Do not chew extended-release tablets. In doing so all the drug in the tablets or capsules will be released at once, increasing the risks of side effects.

The dosage adjustment depends on how the patient reacts to the therapy with Metoprolol. The doctor may change your dose based on how you respond to the initial dose.

Common Dosage for Hypertension

The initial dose of immediate release Metoprolol tablets is 100mg per day and the maintenance dose can be up to 100-450 mg per day. The initial dose of extended release tablets is 25 to 100 mg/day, which can be maintained up to a maximum dose of 400mg/day.

Common Dosage for Angina Pectoris

The initial dose is 50 mg twice a day for immediate release tablets. For extended release tablets, it is 100 mg once a day. The doses of both tablets can be adjusted to a maximum 400 mg per day. It is important that you administer this medication according the dosage and potency prescribed by your physician.

Before Taking Metoprolol

• Make sure you are not allergic or intolerant to any ingredient present in these tablets.
• Make sure that your doctor knows your medical history, especially if you have heart rhythm problems or if you ever had a severe allergic reaction.
• Let your doctor know if you are using any prescription or non-prescription drugs.
• Seek advice from your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.

While Taking Metoprolol

• If you forget to take your dose on time, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, in that case skip the missed dose and take the next one on due time.
• Keep track of your blood pressure and pulse when using this medication.
• This medication can make you drowsy so avoid operating heavy machinery or driving a car.
• It’s better to avoid alcohol as it can make you more drowsy.
• This medication should not be withdrawn abruptly. You doctor will gradually lower your dosage in a period of 7-14 days before stopping it altogether.

The common side effects of this medication are mild and easily manageable. However, if these side effects are severe, call your doctor.

Some usual side effects of metoprolol are dizziness or lightheadedness, tiredness, depression, nausea, dry mouth, stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, heartburn, constipation, rash or itching.

Some people may experience some uncommon side effects of this medication, which include shortness of breath, wheezing, weight gain, fainting, irregular heartbeat and swelling of hands, feet, ankles or lower legs.

• Hypertension
• Angina pectoris
• Myocardial infarction (early and late intervention)

You can order Metoprolol in the UK from [this website] by filling an online prescription form. Kindly make sure that you administer this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Any misuse of this drug can be harmful for your health.