Metoprolol is an antihypertensive from the beta-blocker class, indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure, acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias or angina, or for the prevention of migraines.
This medicine works by keeping the heart rhythm and pressure stable, and can be found in the form of tablets or injection, as the generic “metoprolol succinate” or “metoprolol tartrate” or with the trade names Selozok, Quenzor, Emprol XR or Miclox, for example. example.
Metoprolol must be used with a cardiologist’s recommendation, and can be provided free of charge by the SUS, or purchased in pharmacies or drugstores, sold upon presentation of a medical prescription.
What is it for
Metoprolol is indicated for the treatment of:
- High pressure;
- Cardiac tachyarrhythmia;
- Ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias;
- Suspected or confirmed acute myocardial infarction;
- Hyperthyroidism, when treating symptoms together with other medications;
- Heart disorders with palpitation.
Additionally, this remedy can be used to prevent migraines, angina pectoris or for secondary prevention after myocardial infarction.
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What is the difference between metoprolol tartrate and succinate?
Both metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate are beta-blocker medications, which help the heart beat slower and less forcefully, which lowers blood pressure. Additionally, they also help open veins and arteries to improve blood flow.
However, there are differences between the two. Metoprolol succinate is found in the form of prolonged-release tablets, with an action time in the body of 24 hours, and can be taken once a day.
Metoprolol tartrate is found in the form of simple tablets, having an action time in the body of 6 to 12 hours, and therefore, it is normally taken more than once a day.
How to use
The way in which metoprolol is used varies according to its presentation, which includes:
1. Metoprolol succinate tablets
Metoprolol succinate tablets can be found in different doses, 15 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg, and should be taken orally, with a glass of water, on an empty stomach or with breakfast, as directed by the doctor. doctor.
The dosage of metoprolol succinate for adults varies depending on the condition being treated and includes:
- High pressure: In cases of mild to moderate high blood pressure, the dose of metoprolol succinate is 1 tablet of 50 mg, once a day. This dose can be changed by the doctor to 100 to 200 mg, once a day. Long-term treatment is normally carried out with a dose of 100 to 200 mg, once a day;
- Angina pectoris: 100 to 200 mg of metoprolol succinate, once a day, which can be used in combination with other antianginal medications;
- Chronic heart failure: The initial dose is 1 tablet of 25 mg, once a day, for the first two weeks. This dose can be adjusted by the doctor up to a maximum dose of 200 mg, once a day;
- Cardiac arrhythmias: 100 to 200 mg of metoprolol succinate, once a day;
- Treatment after myocardial infarction: 200 mg of metoprolol succinate, once a day;
- Heart changes with palpitations: 100 mg of metoprolol succinate, once a day;
- Migraine prophylaxis: 100 to 200 mg of metoprolol succinate, once a day.
Treatment with metoprolol succinate must be carried out by a cardiologist, who can change the doses according to the person’s response to therapy.
2. Metoprolol tartarate tablet
Metoprolol tartrate is available in a dose of 100 mg and should be taken orally, with a glass of water, before or with breakfast, as advised by your doctor.
The dosage of metoprolol tartrate for adults varies depending on the condition being treated and includes:
- High pressure: 100 to 200 mg of metoprolol tartrate per day, which can be taken as a single dose in the morning or divided into 2 doses, morning and evening;
- Cardiac tachyarrhythmia: 100 to 150 mg per day, divided into 2 or 3 doses. This dose can be increased by the doctor to a maximum of 300 mg per day;
- Treatment after myocardial infarction: 200 mg per day, taken in 2 divided doses, for at least 3 months of treatment, as per medical advice;
- Angina pectoris: 100 to 200 mg of metoprolol tartrate per day, taken in 2 divided doses. This dose can be increased by the doctor to a maximum of 400 mg per day;
- Hyperthyroidism: 150 to 200 mg per day, administered in 3 to 4 divided doses. This dose can be increased by the doctor to a maximum of 400 mg per day;
- Heart changes with palpitations: 100 mg in a single dose, once a day. This dose can be increased by the doctor to a maximum of 200 mg per day, taken in 2 divided doses, morning and evening;
- Migraine prevention: 100 mg in a single dose, once a day. This dose can be increased by the doctor to a maximum of 200 mg per day, taken in 2 divided doses, morning and evening.
The use of metoprolol tartrate should be used with regular medical monitoring, to assess the response to treatment and, if necessary, change the doses.
3. Injectable metoprolol tartrate
Injectable metoprolol tartrate 1 mg/mL must be used by injection directly into a vein, carried out in the hospital by a nurse and under medical supervision.
This injection may be indicated for suspected or confirmed heart attacks or heart rhythm disorders, such as supraventricular tachycardia, and the doses must be indicated by the doctor according to the condition to be treated.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of metoprolol are tiredness, dizziness, vertigo, cold hands and feet, Raynaud’s phenomenon, decreased heart rate or palpitations.
In addition, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, joint pain, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, memory problems or depression may also occur.
It is important to go to the nearest emergency room if you experience side effects such as a very slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness as if you were going to faint, or sudden swelling or rapid weight gain.
Who shouldn’t use
Metoprolol should not be used by children or people who have decompensated heart failure, hypotension, atrioventricular block, sinoatrial node syndrome, cardiogenic shock, severe obstruction of arteries, severe bronchial asthma, or allergies to the components of the formula.
During pregnancy, this medicine should only be used if indicated by the doctor after evaluating the benefits for the woman and risks for the baby, as it can reduce blood circulation in the placenta, which can cause fetal growth retardation, premature birth, intrauterine death or abortion.
Furthermore, metoprolol can pass to the baby through milk, and therefore, its use should only be done if recommended by the doctor.
Metoprolol should be used with caution in people with diabetes as it may mask the symptom of rapid heartbeat during a hypoglycemic attack.
