We use so many drugs but do not know enough about them. Many are closely related to each other, and others are not.
However, understanding various drugs and their true purpose can challenge many people since they lack medical or pharmaceutical training.
Irrespective of this situation, understanding various drugs, how they work, and how to use them is crucial.
Metoprolol is one of those drugs that many people confuse its facts. So let’s find out,
Is Metoprolol a Blood Thinner?
No. Metoprolol is not a blood thinner. Metoprolol is in the beta-blocker group of drugs. It is a drug used to relax blood vessels and enable slowing heart rate. Metoprolol prevents chest pains and improves survival after experiencing a heart attack.
Uses Of Metoprolol
Metoprolol also treats high blood pressure. The drug’s second application is improving recovery for people who have experienced a heart attack. Another use is to reduce angina/chest pains.
Metoprolol with other drugs can treat heart failure. To help in high blood pressure, Metoprolol works by relaxing human blood vessels; this improves the rate at which blood flows and reduces blood pressure.
Metoprolol is also used to prevent migraines and reduce the chances of future strokes, heart attacks, or heart disease.
Who Is Metoprolol For?
Metoprolol is safe for use by all people above the age of 18. However, several precautions should be taken before using the drug.
Before Using Metoprolol
- Inform your doctor if you have had any lung diseases such as asthma. You should also communicate if you have had diabetes, severe allergies, liver or heart diseases, or hyperthyroidism.
- For cases where you are having surgery, such as dental surgery, you have to make sure that you inform your doctor.
- If you have any allergic condition towards Metoprolol or other drugs such as atenolol, acebutolol, carvedilol, betaxolol, bisoprolol, labetalol, etc. esmolol, nadolol, propranolol, pindolol, timolol, sotalol, or any medication associated with ingredients in Metoprolol, you must declare.
- Inform your pharmacist or doctor of any nonprescription or prescription medications, nutritional supplements, vitamins, or taking herbal products. This will help the doctor understand the right way to prescribe drugs to ensure no harmful side effects.
- Tell your doctor if pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant. It is also advisable to inform your doctor if you get pregnant while under metoprolol medication.
- If you have blood circulation problems, heart failure, pheochromocytoma, or slow heart rate, make sure you inform your doctor.
- Not that Metoprolol causes drowsiness; hence you should not operate machinery or drive while under medication.
Taking Metoprolol
Here is how you should take Metoprolol as it is available in two types of tablets. One of them is the slow-release, and the second is the standard release.
The Slow-release/sustained release- Its nature enables it to dissolve slowly in the body. As a result, you should not take it often. You can take it once per day.
Standard release- This is a type of metoprolol drug designed to be released quickly into the body. As a result, you will take it many times a day, based on prescription.
Since the drugs cause dizziness, it is advisable to take your first dose just before time to escape this side effect.
For The Dosage,
Metoprolol is taken based on need and the tablets you have. The tablet affects the dosage since they are different in how they work.
To prevent migraine –take standard release, 100mg twice per day or 50mg 2-4 times per day.
High blood pressure – Standard release – 200mg once per day, or 50mg-100mg twice daily.
Dealing with excess thyroid hormone – For Standard release – use 50mg 4 times per day.
Chest Pain- Standard release. 200mg-400mg once per day, or 50mg-100mg 2-3 times per day.
Irregular heartbeat – For Standard release – use 50mg, 2-3 times per day.
Here Is What To Do If You Forget Your Dose
If you forget your dose and it is not almost time for the next dose, you should take it when you remember.
In cases where the time for the next dose is close, you should leave the missed one and continue with the dosing schedule as normal. This is to avoid taking a double dose.
Side Effects of Metoprolol
Metoprolol, like any other medication, comes with its side effects. Some of these side effects may be common, while others may be rare. The drug causes side effects, and others react to your underlying conditions.
The side effects are in several groups. They include;
Common Side Effects
- Confusion
- Sweating
- Blurred vision
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Body weakness and tiredness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or faintness
Less Common Side Effects
- Coughing
- Less urine output
- Dilation on neck veins
- Double vision
- Bloating
- Swelling of feet, hands, arms, lower legs, and arms
- Speaking difficulty
- Headache
- Unable to speak
- Fast or racing heartbeat
- Labored or difficult breathing
- Vision loss
- Slow speech
- Short-term loss of memory
- Night blindness
- Tunnel vision
- Chest tightness
Rare Side Effects
- Chills
- Fever
- Itching skin
- Dark urine
- Moving difficulty
- Muscle pain
- Lower and side back pain
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Vomiting blood
- Yellow eyes
- Severe abdominal pains
Symptoms of Overdose
- Extreme drowsiness
- Heart-stopping
- Changing consciousness
- Loss of consciousness
- Bluish color on the lips, skin, nail beds, palms, and fingernails
- Fainting
In case of an overdose, call a doctor as soon as possible or emergency services.
How To Deal With Metoprolol Side Effects
Metoprolol is one drug that may come with many side effects that can be difficult to deal with. When you are using the medication for the first time, you may get confused and unable to handle the side effects. Here are some tips.
Nausea
Feeling sick is one of the side effects of Metoprolol. To deal with this, y to take more simple foods and avoid spicy foods as much as possible as it reduces the chances of nausea after you take metoprolol medication.
Headaches
To deal with headaches, ensure that you take as much fluids as possible and rest. It would help if you did not drink alcohol; otherwise, it will worsen the condition.
You can also get some painkillers. The good part is that headaches from Metoprolol will always go away after your first week of medication. For persistent headaches, see your doctor.
Stomach Pains
You will experience stomach pains in many instances, but you need to get enough rest and relax. You can also drink enough fluids.
Eat your meals in small quantities but frequently instead of taking one major meal. You can place the bottle with hot water or use a heating pad on your stomach to relieve the pain. Always seek the doctor’s help in case the pain persists.
Dizziness, Tiredness, and Body Weakness
Dizziness is one of the most common side effects of taking Metoprolol. Whenever you experience this, you should lie down or sit for some time until you feel better.
It would be best if you did not drink alcohol. Also, avoid driving or operating machinery to avoid accidents.
Cold Feet or Hands
From time to time, you will get cold feet or hands. To deal with this, put your feet or hands in warm and running water, wiggle your toes or fingers, and massage them.
For such situations, do not drink caffeine or smoke as they make blood vessels narrow hence restricting blood flow. Smoking makes skin cold hence worsening the condition.
Can I Take Metoprolol When Breastfeeding?
Yes. You can take Metoprolol even when breastfeeding. Only small quantities of it get to your breastfeeding milk when taking Metoprolol. They are small amounts that cannot cause any complications to the baby.
Always make sure you discuss this matter with your doctor before breastfeeding.
Can I Mix Metoprolol with Herbal Supplements Or Remedies?
No. There is not enough information about the effects of mixing Metoprolol with herbal supplements or remedies. However, talk to your doctor to get more information.
Conclusion
Metoprolol belongs to the beta-blocker group of drugs and is not a blood thinner. In turn, the medication helps with high blood pressure and supports recovery for people who have experienced a heart attack.
However, Metoprolol has many precautions you must understand before you use it. Talk to your doctor to get clear information where you do not understand.
