Metoprolol Tartrate 75mg Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication with or immediately after a meal. Continue taking this medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start to feel better.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry location, avoiding the bathroom. Protect the medication from heat sources.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take metoprolol exactly as prescribed, usually twice a day. Do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor, as this can be dangerous.
- Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate regularly at home if advised by your doctor.
- Maintain a healthy diet, low in sodium and saturated fats.
- Engage in regular physical activity as recommended by your doctor.
- Limit alcohol intake, as it can increase metoprolol levels and lower blood pressure.
- Avoid activities requiring alertness until you know how the medication affects you, as it can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking metoprolol before any surgery or dental procedures.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Metoprolol Tartrate 50mg Tablets
- Metoprolol HCT 100/25mg Tablets
- Metoprolol HCT 50/25mg Tablets
- Metoprolol HCT 100/50mg Tablets
- Metoprolol Tartrate 100mg Tablets
- Metoprolol Tartrate 25mg Tablets
- Metoprolol Tartrate 100mg Tablets
- Metoprolol ER Succinate 100mg Tabs
- Metoprolol ER Succinate 50mg Tabs
- Metoprolol ER Succinate 200mg Tabs
- Metoprolol ER Succinate 25mg Tabs
- Metoprolol ER Succinate 25mg Tabs
- Metoprolol Tartrate 5mg/5ml Inj 5ml
- Metoprolol Tartrate 37.5mg Tablets
- Metoprolol Tartrate 75mg Tablets
- Metoprolol Tartrate 5mg/5ml Inj 5ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of low blood sugar, including:
+ Dizziness
+ Headache
+ Feeling sleepy
+ Feeling weak
+ Shaking
+ Fast heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Hunger
+ Sweating
Depression
Severe dizziness or fainting
New or worsening chest pain
New or worsening abnormal heartbeat
Slow heartbeat
Shortness of breath, significant weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Although many people may not experience any side effects or only have mild ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:
Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak
Diarrhea
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Very slow heart rate (e.g., less than 50 beats per minute)
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing (especially if new or worsening)
- Swelling in your ankles or feet, or sudden weight gain (signs of worsening heart failure)
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Coldness, numbness, or pain in your hands or feet
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Certain heart conditions, such as:
+ Heart block or sick-sinus syndrome (types of abnormal heartbeats)
+ Heart failure (a weak heart)
+ Low blood pressure
+ Poor blood flow to the arms or legs
+ Shock caused by heart problems
+ A slow heartbeat
* Respiratory issues, including:
+ Asthma
+ Other breathing problems, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your existing conditions and medications. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
Caution with Daily Activities
Avoid driving and engaging in activities that require alertness until you understand how this medication affects you. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, rise slowly from a sitting or lying down position, and exercise caution when climbing stairs.
Monitoring Your Condition
Follow your doctor's instructions for checking your blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, have your blood work and other laboratory tests performed as directed by your doctor.
Interference with Lab Tests
This medication may affect certain laboratory test results. Inform all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication.
Risk of Low Blood Sugar
This medication may mask symptoms of low blood sugar, such as rapid heartbeat, which can increase the risk of severe or prolonged low blood sugar. This risk is higher in individuals with diabetes, children, and those who are fasting, undergoing surgery, or experiencing nausea and vomiting. If you have concerns, consult your doctor.
Diabetes Management
If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), closely monitor your blood sugar levels while taking this medication.
Interactions with Other Medications
If you have high blood pressure and are taking this medication, consult your doctor before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure, such as cough and cold medications, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and certain natural products or aids.
Discontinuing the Medication
Do not stop taking this medication abruptly, as this may lead to worsening chest pain or even heart attack, particularly in individuals with certain types of heart disease. To avoid side effects, your doctor will instruct you on how to gradually discontinue the medication. If you experience new or worsening chest pain or other heart problems, contact your doctor immediately.
Thyroid Conditions
This medication may make it more challenging to recognize symptoms of an overactive thyroid, such as rapid heartbeat. If you have an overactive thyroid and stop taking this medication suddenly, your condition may worsen and become life-threatening. Consult your doctor for guidance.
Allergic Reactions
If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, inform your doctor, as you may be at risk of an even more severe reaction if you are exposed to the allergen again. If you use epinephrine to treat severe allergic reactions, consult your doctor, as this medication may reduce the effectiveness of epinephrine.
Alcohol Consumption
Discuss your alcohol consumption with your doctor before drinking while taking this medication.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of this medication to you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe bradycardia (very slow heart rate)
- Severe hypotension (very low blood pressure)
- Cardiogenic shock
- Bronchospasm (difficulty breathing)
- Heart failure
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Loss of consciousness, coma
- Seizures
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number. For poison control, call 1-800-222-1222. Treatment may involve atropine for bradycardia, vasopressors for hypotension, glucagon, and supportive care.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Severe bradycardia
- Second- or third-degree AV block
- Sick sinus syndrome (unless a pacemaker is present)
- Cardiogenic shock
- Decompensated heart failure
- Peripheral arterial circulatory disorders (severe)
Major Interactions
- CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine, propafenone, ritonavir, bupropion, terbinafine, cimetidine, hydralazine, chlorpromazine): May significantly increase metoprolol plasma concentrations, leading to increased beta-blockade and risk of bradycardia/hypotension.
- Other AV nodal blocking agents (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem, digoxin, amiodarone): Increased risk of bradycardia, AV block, and heart failure.
- Clonidine: Risk of rebound hypertension upon clonidine withdrawal if beta-blocker is not tapered first.
- Fingolimod: Increased risk of severe bradycardia and heart block.
Moderate Interactions
- NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): May reduce the antihypertensive effect of metoprolol.
- Alpha-1 blockers (e.g., prazosin, doxazosin): Increased risk of first-dose hypotension.
- Insulin and oral hypoglycemics: Beta-blockers may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia (e.g., tachycardia) and prolong hypoglycemic episodes.
- Sympathomimetics (e.g., epinephrine, norepinephrine): May cause paradoxical hypertension and bradycardia.
- Rifampin: May decrease metoprolol plasma concentrations.
- Alcohol: May increase metoprolol plasma levels.
Minor Interactions
- Antacids: May slightly decrease metoprolol absorption.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline and guide initial dosing.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To establish baseline and assess for bradycardia.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess for pre-existing conduction abnormalities (e.g., AV block).
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially in patients with cardiac history
Rationale: To assess kidney health, though metoprolol is primarily hepatically metabolized, renal function is important for overall patient assessment.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess hepatic function, as metoprolol is extensively metabolized by the liver.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially in patients with suspected hepatic impairment
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Regularly, e.g., weekly during titration, then monthly or quarterly once stable.
Target: <130/80 mmHg (individualized based on guidelines and comorbidities)
Action Threshold: Persistent BP above target, or symptomatic hypotension.
Frequency: Regularly, e.g., weekly during titration, then monthly or quarterly once stable.
Target: 50-70 bpm (resting, individualized)
Action Threshold: HR <50 bpm or symptomatic bradycardia.
Frequency: At each visit.
Target: N/A
Action Threshold: Worsening dyspnea, edema, weight gain, fatigue.
Frequency: Regularly, as per diabetes management plan.
Target: Individualized
Action Threshold: Unexplained hypoglycemia or difficulty managing blood glucose.
Symptom Monitoring
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Hypotension (dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting)
- Fatigue, lethargy
- Shortness of breath, wheezing (especially in patients with asthma/COPD)
- Cold hands and feet
- Insomnia, nightmares
- Depression
- Sexual dysfunction
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Metoprolol is Pregnancy Category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Beta-blockers can cause fetal bradycardia, hypoglycemia, and growth restriction. Neonates exposed to beta-blockers in utero may be at risk for hypoglycemia and bradycardia.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Metoprolol is excreted into breast milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers metoprolol to be 'compatible with breastfeeding'. However, monitor breastfed infants for signs of beta-blockade (e.g., bradycardia, hypotension, lethargy, hypoglycemia), especially in neonates or infants with impaired renal/hepatic function.
Pediatric Use
Metoprolol tartrate is approved for hypertension in children 6 years and older. Dosing is weight-based. Safety and efficacy in children younger than 6 years have not been established. Close monitoring for adverse effects is crucial.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of metoprolol, particularly bradycardia and hypotension. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly. Monitor renal and hepatic function, as these may be impaired in the elderly, affecting drug clearance.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Metoprolol tartrate is an immediate-release formulation and typically requires twice-daily dosing. Metoprolol succinate is an extended-release formulation dosed once daily.
- Abrupt discontinuation of metoprolol can lead to rebound hypertension, angina exacerbation, or myocardial infarction, especially in patients with ischemic heart disease. Taper dose gradually over 1-2 weeks.
- Use with caution in patients with bronchospastic disease (e.g., asthma, COPD) as even cardioselective beta-blockers can cause bronchoconstriction at higher doses or in susceptible individuals.
- Beta-blockers can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia (e.g., tachycardia) in diabetic patients. Advise patients to monitor blood glucose closely.
- Metoprolol is a substrate of CYP2D6. Genetic polymorphisms in CYP2D6 can lead to significant variability in drug metabolism and plasma concentrations. Poor metabolizers may have higher drug levels and increased risk of adverse effects.
- While metoprolol tartrate is sometimes used off-label for heart failure, metoprolol succinate (extended-release) is the preferred formulation for chronic heart failure management due to its once-daily dosing and proven efficacy in clinical trials.
Alternative Therapies
- Other Beta-blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Bisoprolol, Carvedilol, Propranolol)
- ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril, Enalapril)
- Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (e.g., Valsartan, Losartan)
- Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil)
- Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide)
- Alpha-blockers (e.g., Prazosin, Doxazosin)
- Direct Renin Inhibitors (e.g., Aliskiren)