Brand Name
Lopresor
Common Name
metoprolol
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00397431 | LOPRESOR 100MG TABLET |
| 00590819 | LOPRESOR 1MG/ML INJECTION |
| 00397423 | LOPRESOR 50MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Metoprolol belongs to the class of medications called beta-blockers. Metoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure and prevent the symptoms of angina (chest pain). It is also used to help reduce the risk of death right after a heart attack. It works by reducing the demands put on the heart.
Metoprolol is also taken by people who have had a heart attack to reduce the risk of having another one. Metoprolol is often used in combination with other high blood pressure medications such as diuretics (water pills) when the use of one medication by itself is not enough to control blood pressure.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of metoprolol ranges from 100 mg daily to 400 mg daily. Immediate-release tablets are taken in 2 divided doses while slow-release tablets are taken once a day.
The medication may be taken with or without food. Try to take the doses of metoprolol at the same time each day.
The doctor may increase the dose if the desired results have not been achieved within one week. Once the best dose has been found with the immediate-release tablets, the slow-release tablets may be substituted at an equal daily dose for convenience.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Tablets
50 mg
Each light red, film-coated, capsule-shaped tablet, scored and marked "51/51" on one side and marked "Geigy" on the other, contains metoprolol 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, cellulose compounds, lactose, magnesium stearate, peridone, polyethylene glycol, silicon dioxide, sodium carboxymethyl starch, and talc.
100 mg
Each light blue, film-coated, capsule-shaped tablet, scored and marked "71/71" on one side and marked "Geigy" on the other, contains metoprolol 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, cellulose compounds, lactose, magnesium stearate, peridone, polyethylene glycol, silicon dioxide, sodium carboxymethyl starch, and talc.
Injection
Each mL of clear, injectable solution contains metoprolol 1 mg. and sodium chloride 9 mg.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Metoprolol should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to metoprolol, other beta blockers, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is scheduled to have anesthesia with an agent that causes myocardial depression (e.g., ether)
- has a condition known as "sick sinus syndrome"
- has a condition known as right ventricular failure caused by excessive blood pressure in the lungs
- has a slow heartbeat caused by heart rhythm problems
- has asthma or other obstructive respiratory diseases (for the intravenous form of metoprolol only)
- has cardiogenic shock
- has overt heart failure
- has serious heart block
- has severe circulatory disorders
- have had a heart attack accompanied by:
- a heart rate less than 45 beats per minute
- significant heart block
- very low blood pressure
- moderate to severe cardiac failure
