Metoprolol Tartrate

METOPROLOL TARTRATE

Manufacturer: Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC

Score: 145.0

Quick Summary

Metoprolol Tartrate is a beta 1-selective adrenergic receptor blocker used to treat hypertension, angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction. It works by reducing heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output. The usual initial dosage is 100 mg daily, and the effective dosage range is 100 to 450 mg per day. However, the drug has several contraindications, including sinus bradycardia, heart block, and cardiogenic shock. It is also important to note that the drug can cause adverse reactions such as tiredness, dizziness, and shortness of breath, and special considerations are needed for pregnant women, nursing mothers, pediatric patients, and geriatric patients.

Key Clinical Findings and Indications

Hypertension
Angina pectoris
Myocardial infarction
Reduces heart rate and blood pressure
Increases exercise tolerance

Important Safety Information

Warning

Ischemic heart disease: following abrupt cessation of therapy with certain beta-blocking agents, exacerbations of angina pectoris and, in some cases, myocardial infarction have occurred.

Contraindications

Sinus bradycardia
Heart block greater than first degree
Cardiogenic shock
Overt cardiac failure

Adverse Reactions

Tiredness
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Bradycardia
Hypotension

Dosing Recommendations

General Guidance

The dosage may be increased at weekly (or longer) intervals until optimum blood pressure reduction is achieved.

Hypertension

Adult Dose

100 mg daily in single or divided doses

Pediatric Dose

Not established

Angina pectoris

Adult Dose

100 mg daily, given in two divided doses

Pediatric Dose

Not established

Myocardial infarction

Adult Dose

Three bolus injections of 5 mg of metoprolol tartrate each, followed by 50 mg every 6 hours

Pediatric Dose

Not established

Special Population Considerations

Pregnancy

Category C
No adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women
Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed

Nursing Mothers

Metoprolol is excreted in breast milk in a very small quantity
An infant consuming 1 liter of breast milk daily would receive a dose of less than 1 mg of the drug