METOPROLOL (Lopressor) is used for treating high blood pressure, alone or with other medicines; long-term treatment of chest pain; and reducing the risk of death because of heart problems in patients who have had a heart attack. Lopressor is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent ("beta-blocker"). It works by reducing the amount of work the heart has to do (reduces chest pain) and the amount of blood the heart pumps out (lowers high blood pressure). It is also used to stabilize the heart rhythm in conditions in which the heart is beating too fast or at an irregular rhythm.
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers work by reducing the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. Metoprolol controls, but does not cure high blood pressure. Metoprolol is also used to to relieve chest pain and it's helpful after a heart attack.
Tell your doctor if any of these apply to you:
pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
an unusual or allergic reaction to Metoprolol, other medicines, foods, dyes, preservatives, or other substances
angina (chest pain)
thyroid disease
asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm
psoriasis
circulation problems, or blood vessel disease
pheochromocytoma
depression
muscle weakness or disease
diabetes
liver disease
emphysema, or other lung disease
history of heart attack or heart disease
How to use:
Strictly follow your doctor's instructions
Follow the directions on the prescription label
Take your doses at regular intervals
Do not stop taking Metoprolol until you are told so by your doctor
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can
Avoid taking double or extra doses
Safety issues:
Visit your doctor regularly for checks on your progress.
Metoprolol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other tasks that require mental alertness until you know how Metoprolol affects you.
Tell your doctor if you are going to have surgery.
Metoprolol can affect blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
What medicines may interact with Metoprolol?
water pills
NSAIDs
rifampin
cimetidine
MAO inhibitors
cocaine
medicines for malaria
medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
medicines to control heart rythm
medicines for diabetes
hawthorn
fluoxetine
Possible side effects:
If you experience these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately:
weight loss
anxiety
vomiting
cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet
tremor, shakes
difficulty breathing, wheezing
swollen legs or ankles
dizziness or fainting spells
sweating
increase in the amount of urine passed
slow heart rate
increased thirst
skin rash
irregular heartbeat
These side effects usually don't require medical attention (but you should contact your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
unusual weakness or tiredness
diarrhea
sexual difficulties, impotence
dry itching skin
nausea
headache
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
What is a generic pill?
Generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without a brand name. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
