Metoprolol Tartrate

Generic Details

Generic Name

Metoprolol Tartrate

Other Names

  • Lopressor

Drug Class

  • Beta-blocker

Chemical Formula

C15H25NO3

Molecular Weight

267.36 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Selective β1-adrenergic receptor blocker

Indications

  • Hypertension
  • Angina
  • Heart failure
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Atrial fibrillation

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet
  • Injection

Typical Dosage

  • 25-100 mg twice daily

Pediatric Dosage

  • Not established

Geriatric Dosage

  • Adjust dosage based on renal function

Side Effects

  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Bradycardia
  • Hypotension
  • Heart failure exacerbation

Contraindications

  • Bradycardia
  • Heart block greater than first degree
  • Cardiogenic shock
  • Severe hypotension

Pregnancy Category

  • C

Lactation Safety

  • Limited data available, caution advised

Drug Interactions

  • Digoxin
  • Verapamil
  • Rifampin
  • Epinephrine

Overdose Symptoms

  • Bradycardia
  • Hypotension
  • Cardiac arrest

Antidote for Overdose

  • Atropine
  • Intravenous fluids
  • Cardiac monitoring

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapidly and completely absorbed
  • Distribution: Crosses the blood-brain barrier and placenta, excreted in breast milk
  • Metabolism: Hepatic via CYP2D6
  • Excretion: Mainly renal

Precautions

  • Patients with diabetes
  • Patients with asthma or COPD
  • Thyrotoxicosis

Warnings

  • Abruptly stopping may worsen angina or precipitate MI
  • May mask signs of hypoglycemia in diabetics

Others

  • Should be used with caution in patients with a history of bronchospasm