Metoprolol tartrate how does it work

Metoprolol belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Doctors often prescribe beta-blockers for people with cardiovascular conditions or those who have had a heart attack. Both metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate are prescription-only drugs. Both drugs are effective in treating people with high blood pressure and angina.

However, doctors prescribe only metoprolol tartrate to prevent further heart attacks in people who have already experienced a heart attack. For heart failure, they prescribe only metoprolol succinate. Metoprolol tartrate is available either as an immediate-release tablet, as an intravenous injection, or in liquid form.

People using the immediate-release tablet may need to take it several times a day, and doctors advise that they do so either with or directly after a meal. The recommended dosage of metoprolol tartrate ranges between — milligrams mg daily.

One full dose of the intravenous injection provides 15 mg of the drug. If an individual tolerates this dose, the doctor may recommend that they switch to using metoprolol tartrate tablets instead. Metoprolol succinate is available as an extended-release tablet, which means that people only have to take one tablet a day. Use Metoprolol Metoprolol Tartrate exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. A Toprol XL tablet can be divided in half if your doctor has told you to do so. Swallow the half-tablet whole, without chewing or crushing. Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device not a kitchen spoon.

You should not stop using metoprolol suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. If you have high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use metoprolol for the rest of your life. Metoprolol injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection in a medical setting where your heart and blood pressure can be monitored.

Your blood pressure might fluctuate too often. That might increase your risk for a heart attack. If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:. But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, just take the next dose as planned. A prescription for this medication is not refillable.

You or your pharmacy will have to contact your doctor for a new prescription if you need this medication refilled. There are other drugs available to treat your condition.

Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional.

You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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Metoprolol side effects. Metoprolol may interact with other medications. How to take metoprolol. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue 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. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired. Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention. Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:. Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication. Breathing conditions: In general, people who have asthma and certain other lung problems should avoid taking a beta-blocker such as metoprolol, as it can cause breathing difficulty.

If you have breathing problems and your doctor prescribed metoprolol for you, it may be at a lower dose, and your doctor will monitor you regularly while you are taking this medication. If you have breathing problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diabetes: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking metoprolol.