Metoprolol (Injection)

Introduction

Metoprolol (met-oh-PROE-lol)

Treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain) and lowers the risk of repeated heart attacks. This medicine is a beta-blocker.

Brand Name(s)

Lopressor

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to metoprolol or to any other type of beta-blocker medicine (such as atenolol, propranolol, Corgard®, Inderal®, Lopressor®, Tenormin®). Do not use this medicine if you have low blood pressure, blood circulation problems, an adrenal gland tumor, or certain heart problems. Talk with your doctor about what these heart problems are.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using clonidine (Catapres®), reserpine, medicine to treat depression (such as bupropion, fluoxetine, paroxetine, Paxil®, Prozac®, Wellbutrin®), medicine to treat mental illness (such as thioridazine, Mellaril®), medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as propafenone, quinidine, Rhythmol®), medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (such as ritonavir, Norvir®), allergy medicine (such as diphenhydramine, Benadryl®), medicine to treat malaria (such as hydroxychloroquine, quinidine, Plaquenil® Sulfate), medicine to treat a fungus infection (such as terbinafine, Lamisil®), or stomach medicine (such as cimetidine, Tagamet®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, liver disease, an overactive thyroid, or diabetes.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor, or you may develop life-threatening heart problems. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.
• This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar, or it may cover up symptoms of very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you have diabetes, report any changes in your blood sugar to your doctor.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweats, and bluish-colored skin.
• Skin rash or itching.
• Slow, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Wheezing or trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cold hands and feet.
• Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
• Feeling dizzy, drowsy, confused, depressed, or tired.
• Headache.
• Memory problems, nightmares, or unusual dreams.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Problems with sex.
• Sleepiness or trouble sleeping.
• Stuffy or runny nose.