Metoprolol
Also sold as: Lopressor, Betaloc
Prescription neededBeta blockers
Comes as:TabletInjection
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: 50 to 100 mg a day (standard tablets in two doses, long-acting tablets once a day), up to 200 mg. Heart failure: start very low (12.5 to 25 mg) as set by your doctor. Do not stop suddenly.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- tiredness
- cold hands and feet
- slow heartbeat
- dizziness
- trouble sleeping
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- very slow heartbeat
- fainting
- wheezing or breathlessness
- worsening heart failure (swollen legs)
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Asthma (use with great caution)
- Very slow heartbeat or heart block
- Uncontrolled heart failure
- Diabetes (can hide signs of low blood sugar; use with caution)
- Do not stop suddenly
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Verapamil
Together they can cause very slow heartbeat, heart block and heart failure.
Moderate3 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Diltiazem
Together they can slow the heart too much and lower blood pressure.
- Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine raises metoprolol levels and can slow the heart too much.
- Terbinafine
Terbinafine can raise metoprolol levels; watch for slow heartbeat and dizziness.