Betaloc

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Betaloc (Metoprolol). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Betaloc (Metoprolol) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Betaloc (Metoprolol). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• abdominal pain or discomfort
• changes in sexual desire or ability
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• dizziness or lightheadedness when rising from a sitting or lying position
• Dry Mouth
• fatigue
• hair loss
• headache
• increased sensitivity to sunlight
• increased sweating
• nausea
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness with activity
• vivid dreams
• vomiting
• weight gain

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• back or joint pain
• breathing difficulty or wheezing
• changes in hearing
• chest pain
• cold hands and feet
• confusion
• flare-up of psoriasis (e.g., pinpoint-sized red spots on skin, red, scaling, or crusted skin)
• hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't there)
• numbness or tingling sensation in the extremities
• signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don’t stop bleeding)
• signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• signs of heart problems (e.g., fast, irregular heartbeat or pulse, chest pain, difficulty breathing, tiredness with activity, swelling of feet, ankles, or lower legs)
• signs of kidney problems (e.g., increased need to urinate, decreased urine production, skin itching, nausea, vomiting, rash)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• slow heartbeat (especially less than 40 beats per minute)
• symptoms of low blood pressure (e.g., dizziness, fatigue)
• vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, dry eyes, eye pain)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• fingers or toes cold to touch, painful or discoloured
• symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face or throat, Hives, or difficulty breathing)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Betaloc (Metoprolol).

Do not take Betaloc (Metoprolol) if you:

• are allergic to Betaloc (Metoprolol) or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to other beta blockers
• are scheduled to have anesthesia with an agent that causes myocardial Depression (e.g., ether)
• have a condition known as right ventricular failure caused by excessive blood pressure in the lungs
• have a condition known as "sick sinus syndrome"
• have a slow heartbeat caused by heart rhythm problems
• have Asthma or other obstructive respiratory diseases (for the intravenous form of Betaloc (Metoprolol) only)
• have an untreated pheochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal glands)
• have cardiogenic shock
• have overt heart failure
• have serious heart block
• have severe circulatory disorders
• have had a heart attack accompanied by:
• a heart rate less than 45 beats per minute
• significant heart block
• very Low Blood Pressure
• moderate to severe cardiac failure

There may be an interaction between Betaloc (Metoprolol) and any of the following:

• Abiraterone acetate
• acetylcholine
• alcohol
• Aldesleukin
• Aliskiren
• alpha agonists (e.g., Clonidine, methyldopa)
• alpha-1 blockers (e.g., Doxazosin, Prazosin, Tamsulosin)
• Amiodarone
• amifostine
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, lisdexamphetamine)
• anesthetic agents
• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; e.g., Captopril, Ramipril)
• angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs; e.g., Irbesartan, Losartan)
• antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine, Loratadine, diphenhydramine)
• antimalarials (e.g., chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, Mefloquine, quinine)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, olanzepine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• asunaprevir
• Atomoxetine
• azelastine
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, Phenobarbital)
• beta-agonists (asthma medications; e.g., salbutamol, salmeterol, formoterol)
• Bortezomib
• brimonidine
• Buprenorphine
• Bupropion
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., Verapamil, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Amlodipine)
• Celecoxib
• Ceritinib
• cholecalciferol
• Cimetidine
• Cinacalcet
• Clobazam
• Clotrimazole
• Cobicistat
• cocaine
• Cyproterone
• Darifenacin
• delavirdine
• Dextromethorphan
• Digoxin
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide)
• Dipyridamole
• Disopyramide
• disulfiram
• Donepezil
• Doxorubicin
• Dronedarone
• Entacapone
• epinephrine
• ergot derivatives (e.g., Bromocriptine, ergotamine, methylergonovine)
• Fentanyl
• Fingolimod
• Flecainide
• Floctafenine
• Galantamine
• ginger
• ginseng
• grass pollen allergen extract
• Guanfacine
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• imatinib
• insulin
• isoniazid
• ketoconazole
• Lacosamide
• Lanreotide
• levodopa
• lidocaine
• lomustine
• methacholine
• Methadone
• Methimazole
• methoxsalen
• Methylphenidate
• Metoclopramide
• Midodrine
• mifepristone
• milk thistle
• Mirabegron
• Moclobemide
• nefazodone
• nevirapine
• Nilotinib
• nitrates (e.g., Nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate)
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs; e.g., Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Naproxen)
• norepinephrine
• Octreotide
• orphenadrine
• other beta-blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Pindolol, Propranolol)
• Oxybutynin
• Pasireotide
• Pazopanib
• peginterferon alfa-2b
• Pentoxifylline
• phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil)
• Pilocarpine
• Pimozide
• praziquantel
• Propafenone
• proton pump inhibitors (e.g., Lansoprazole, Omeprazole, Rabeprazole)
• quinidine
• quinine
• Ranitidine
• Regorafenib
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• Rituximab
• Rivastigmine
• Ropinirole
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• serotonin antagonists (anti-emetic medications; e.g., Dolasetron, Granisetron, Ondansetron)
• serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• sodium phenylbutyrate
• "statin" cholesterol medications (e.g., Pravastatin, Simvastatin)
• sulfonylureas (e.g., Gliclazide, Glyburide, Tolbutamide)
• Temsirolimus
• terbinafine
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• Ticagrelor
• Ticlopidine
• Tizanidine
• Tofacitinib
• tolcapone
• Tranylcypromine
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Trimipramine)
• Yohimbine

If you are taking any medications containing this drug, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Betaloc (Metoprolol). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription) and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or illegal drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Betaloc (Metoprolol).

Breathing conditions: In general, people who have asthma and certain other lung problems should avoid taking a beta-blocker such as Betaloc (Metoprolol), as it can cause breathing difficulty. If you have breathing problems and your doctor prescribed Betaloc (Metoprolol) for you, it may be at a lower dose, and your doctor will monitor you regularly while you are taking Betaloc (Metoprolol). If you have breathing problems, discuss with your doctor how Betaloc (Metoprolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Betaloc (Metoprolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diabetes: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking Betaloc (Metoprolol). Betaloc (Metoprolol) may make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Betaloc (Metoprolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Betaloc (Metoprolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor will monitor you while you are taking Betaloc (Metoprolol) and may need to adjust the doses of antidiabetes medications.

Dizziness or fainting: Dizziness or fainting are side effects of Betaloc (Metoprolol) and may occur after first starting Betaloc (Metoprolol). Avoid driving and other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Betaloc (Metoprolol) affects you.

Heart disease: Beta-blockers, such as Betaloc (Metoprolol), can worsen existing heart failure. It is important to take Betaloc (Metoprolol) exactly as prescribed by your doctor to decrease the chance of this happening. If you have a history of heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Betaloc (Metoprolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Betaloc (Metoprolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Hyperthyroidism (high level of Thyroid hormones): Betaloc (Metoprolol) can mask the symptoms that occur when you have hyperthyroidism (high levels of thyroid hormones). If you have hyperthyroidism, discuss with your doctor how Betaloc (Metoprolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Betaloc (Metoprolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Stopping the medication suddenly could worsen this condition.

Kidney function: Kidney function may change as a result of taking Betaloc (Metoprolol). Your doctor will monitor for this, and may adjust your dose if necessary. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Betaloc (Metoprolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Betaloc (Metoprolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience puffy hands, face or feet, high blood pressure, unusual muscle cramping, or darkened urine, Betaloc (Metoprolol) may be affecting how well your kidneys are working. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Betaloc (Metoprolol) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Betaloc (Metoprolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Betaloc (Metoprolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Betaloc (Metoprolol).

If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Pheochromocytoma: Betaloc (Metoprolol) can worsen the symptoms of pheochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland) if it is taken alone. If you have a pheochromocytoma, discuss with your doctor how Betaloc (Metoprolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Betaloc (Metoprolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Severe allergies: If you have allergies severe enough to cause Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (a severe allergic reaction where swelling of the face, lips, and throat make it difficult to breathe), discuss with your doctor about what to do if you have an allergic reaction. Betaloc (Metoprolol) may make it more difficult to treat severe allergic reactions with Epinephrine.

Stopping the medication: People with heart disease who stop taking Betaloc (Metoprolol) abruptly may experience severe effects, such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or heart attack. If you have heart disease, do not stop taking Betaloc (Metoprolol) without checking with your doctor first. When Betaloc (Metoprolol) needs to be stopped, it should be done gradually under supervision of your doctor.

Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform all health care professionals involved in your care that you are taking Betaloc (Metoprolol).

Pregnancy: The medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Betaloc (Metoprolol), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Betaloc (Metoprolol) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Betaloc (Metoprolol), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Betaloc (Metoprolol) have not been established for children.

Seniors: Normal adult doses of Betaloc (Metoprolol) may cause a drop in blood pressure that is larger than anticipated. Lower doses may be necessary for seniors.