Metoprolol is a generic drug that also goes under the brand names Dutoprol, Lopressor, Toprol-XL, Selokeen, Minax, Metrol, Betaloc, Neobloc, and Corvitol. It is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers, and is given for the treatment of hypertension, or high blood pressure, for coronary heart disease an the prevention of angina attacks, for prevention of a heart attack after one has already occurred, for treatment of heart failure, for the prevention of migraines, and as one element in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. It can be given along with other blood pressure medications as part of an overall course of treatment for high blood pressure. It is administered in tablets, either single dosage or extended release, and works by slowing your heart rate and relaxing your blood vessels so that your heart does not have to work as hard to get blood through your body.
Most side effects that people experience in taking metoprolol are not very serious, and many of them disappear when the body becomes accustomed to taking the drug. The most common of these side effects include tiredness, dizziness or lightheadnedness, depression, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and a slow heart rate. Other side effects that have been reported include mental confusion, short-term memory loss, headache, sleepiness, sleep difficulties, congestive heart failure, swelling, angina, loss of consciousness, coldness in hands and feet, and low blood pressure. Some people also experience wheezing, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, psoriasis, itchy skin, rash or hives, and dry eyes. More serious side effects are rare, but can include allergic reaction (characterized by difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, lips or tongue, and hives), and blood clots. If you experience these, or if you experience numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, impotence, hair loss, mental changes, stomach pain, dark urine, persistent nausea, your fingers or toes turning blue, cough, extreme thirst, persistent sore throat of fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, you should call your doctor immediately.
If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor, but do not stop taking Metoprolol. Suddenly stopping this medication can cause severe effects, including chest pains or even heart attack. If your doctor decides that you should stop taking Metoprolol, he or she will gradually decrease your dosage until you are off it altogether. You should also make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any medicines, either prescription or over-the-counter, especially Wellbutrin, Tagamet, Catapres, Benadryl, Prozac, Paxil, Rythmol, quinidine, Zantac, or Mellaril.
Metaprolol is in Pregnancy Category C, which means that its safety for pregnancy or for a developing fetus has not been established. Animal studies suggest that in some cases, harm could potentially occur to a fetus, so Metoprolol should only be given if it is clearly necessary for the mother’s health. Metoprolol is excreted in breast milk, as well, so if you are planning to continue taking it, you should consider alternative means for feeding your child. Metoprolol has not been evaluated for children, so is not recommended for pediatric use.
Metoprolol has the following structural formula:
• Molecular formula of metoprolol is C15H25NO3
• Chemical IUPAC Name is 1-[4-(2-methoxyethyl)phenoxy]-3-(1-methylethylamino)propan-2-ol
• Molecular weight is 267.364 g/mol
• Metoprolol available : 25mg tablets, 50mg tablets, 100mg tablets, 200mg tablets
Brand name(s): Beloc, Betaloc, Lopresor, Lopresoretic, Lopressor, Metroprolol, Prelis, Selo-Zok, Seloken, Selopral, Toprol, Toprol XL
Review published on: 30 March 2008
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