How does it work?

Metoprolol belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers, which block beta receptors in the heart, lungs and other organs of the body. Blocking these receptors prevents the action of two chemicals called noradrenaline and adrenaline that occur naturally in the body. These are often referred to as the 'fight or flight' chemicals as they are responsible for the body's reaction to stressful situations. Blocking the beta receptors in the heart causes the heart to beat more slowly and with less force. The heart therefore uses less energy and the pain of angina is prevented. Abnormal heart rhythms are also prevented. Due to the heart beating more slowly and with less force, the pressure at which blood is pumped out of the heart to the rest of the body is reduced. This is just one of the ways in which beta blockers help to reduce blood pressure, however the whole mechanism is not fully understood. Metoprolol is used to decrease symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating and tremor which are associated with thyrotoxicosis. It is also used to prevent migraine, although it is not fully understood how metoprolol works in this area.

What is it used for?

Angina pectoris

Heart attack

High blood pressure

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Prevention of migraines

Thyrotoxicosis

Warning!

This medicine may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar such as increased heart rate, tremor and nausea. People with diabetes should carefully monitor their blood sugar.

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If you should require local or general anaesthesia, it is important that you inform your anaesthetist you are taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

Abnormal muscle weakness

Defect of the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (heart block)

Diabetes

Elderly people

History of allergies

History of asthma or wheezing

Kidney disease

Liver disease

Pre-surgical management of adrenal gland tumours (phaeochromocytoma), but only in combination with an alpha blocking medicine

Psoriasis

Not to be used in

A problem common in the elderly, related to poor control of the working of the heart (sick sinus syndrome)

Allergy to beta-blockers

Angina not well controlled by medical treatment

Blockage of arteries in the extremities

Defect of the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (heart block)

Failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation (cardiogenic shock)

Heart failure

Increased acid levels in the blood (metabolic acidosis)

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

Very slow heart rate (severe bradycardia)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved