Metoprolol Tartrate To Lowering High Blood Pressure
Metoprolol Tartrate is a beta-blocker medication with many uses. Beta-blockers are prescribed in conditions where the heart rate needs to be slowed. It relaxes the blood vessels and slows down the heart rate to help improve the circulation of blood around the body and to lower the blood pressure.
It’s FDA-approved for medical use since 1978 and is on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines. It’s even listed as one of the most effective and safest medicines needed in the health system.
What condition does Metoprolol Tartrate treat?
Metoprolol Tartrate is a prescription medication used for:
- Lowering high blood pressure
- Controlling arrhythmias or irregular heartbeat
- Preventing angina attacks or chest pain
- Improve the likelihood of survival after a heart attack
- Prevent further heart problems after myocardial infarction
- Reducing the symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland.
- Preventing migraines among those who frequently have migraine attacks
How does Metoprolol Tartrate work?
As a beta-blocker, Metoprolol works by temporarily reducing or stopping the body’s natural fight or flight responses. It works by blocking the beta receptors found in the heart from the action of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a hormone similar to adrenaline, produced by the adrenal glands and neurotransmitter. Together with adrenaline, this hormone increases the heart rate and the pumping of blood from the heart. It also increases the blood pressure and the blood sugar level to provide more energy to the body. Norepinephrine acts on the receptors on the heart muscle. It constricts the blood vessels thus increases the blood pressure and blood sugar level.
Blocking the receptor allows the heart to beat slowly and less forcefully. This reduces the workload of the heart and the pressure at which blood is pumped out of the heart. At the same time, the heart gets enough supply of oxygen to meet the demand such as during an exercise thus preventing angina attacks.
Metoprolol Tartrate also controls irregular heartbeat because of the slower heart rate. When the heart rate slows down, electrical signals in the heart fire more regularly allowing the heart to beat normally. It’s the overall effect on the heart and blood circulation helps reduce and control the symptoms associated with an overactive thyroid gland such as tremor, sweating and racing pulse.
What is the dosage of Metoprolol Tartrate?
- Metoprolol Tartrate is available in capsule form in different strengths. Generally, patients should start at a low dose and up to the most effective dosage.
- The typical recommended starting dose for an adult is 100mg a day in single or divided doses.
- The maintaining dose is 100 mg to 450mg daily.
- The maximum recommended dose is 450mg a day.
How to take Metoprolol Tartrate?
- It’s vital for you to take your medications as directed. Remember that Metoprolol Tartrate will only control your condition but it does not cure it.
- Swallow the tablet whole, without crushing or chewing it.
- Do not skip your medication or stop taking it without informing your doctor. Stopping your medication will only worsen your condition.
- This medication is only part of a complete program of treatment for high blood pressure. Aside from taking Metoprolol Tartrate lifestyle changes may also help manage your condition. Lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy diet, drinking alcohol in moderation, exercise, a diet low in sodium and avoiding cigarette smoking.
- If you happen to miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for you to take your next dose, skip it and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
- There is a need for you to have a frequent medical test and a regular monitor of your blood pressure.
- If you are scheduled for surgery including dental procedure, inform your doctor ahead of time that you are taking Metoprolol Tartrate.
What are the precautions in taking Metoprolol Tartrate?
- Metoprolol Tartrate is not suitable for patients with:
- Uncontrolled heart failure
- Increased acid levels in the blood or metabolic acidosis
- Prinzmetal’s angina, a severe form of angina
- Bradycardia, a very slow heartbeat
- Very low blood pressure or hypotension
- An untreated tumor of the adrenal gland
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a severe form of asthma
- Cardiogenic shock, a condition in which the heart fails to maintain enough circulation of blood throughout the body.
- Poor blood circulation in the arteries due to heart block or sick sinus syndrome.
- Allergic to its active ingredients.
- A lower dose of Metoprolol Tartrate is needed among patients with:
- A first degree heart block
- Elderly people
- History of psoriasis as beta-blockers can worsen the condition of psoriasis.
- Kidney or liver problems
- Myasthenia gravis or abnormal muscle weakness
- Diabetes as Metoprolol Tartrate may hide the symptoms of low blood sugar
- A thyroid disorder
- Congestive heart failure
- Poor blood circulation in the arteries of the extremities.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while under medication as this can cause certain side effects.
- Many drugs can affect the way this medication works. It is very vital therefore to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements.
- There is not enough evidence whether this drug is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, let your doctor know.
Costs of Generic Metoprolol Tartrate vs Lopressor
Metoprolol Tartrate is an inexpensive anti-hypertensive medication compared to its branded counterpart Lopressor. Metoprolol Tartrate 100mg cost $.82 per unit price or $49 for 60 caps. While the brand name Lopressor cost $291.37 for 100 tabs or $2.91 per unit price.