Metoprolol is a selective beta-1 blocker that slows down the activity of your heart by stopping the transmission of messages from the nerves to your heart. It acts on the heart and blood vessels and therefore is widely used for cardiac problems. Metoprolol can be used to treat high blood pressure, angina, arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), hyperthyroidism and prevent migraine.
Metoprolol can be taken by mouth as conventional tablets or prolonged-release / extended-release tablets, as well as by intravenous injections. For prolonged-release / extended-release tablets (e.g. Betaloc ZOK), you should swallow whole but not chew or crush them.
Metoprolol Tartrate (immediate release) is usually given two or three times a day; whereas Metoprolol Succinate (extended-release / prolonged-release) is usually given once daily. The usual starting dose is 12.5-50 mg twice daily for immediate-release tablets and 200 mg once daily for prolonged-release or extended-release tablets.
Common side effects of Metoprolol include slow heartbeat, depression, dizziness, shortness of breath, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, headache, and heart failure.
Common dosing schedule:
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Metoprolol may interact with:
Metoprolol can interact with a number of drugs. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Metoprolol is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Metoprolol in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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