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 Metoprolol.
Breathing conditions: In general, people who have asthma and certain other lung problems should avoid taking a beta-blocker such as metoprolol, as it can cause breathing difficulty. If you have breathing problems and your doctor prescribed metoprolol for you, it may be at a lower dose, and your doctor will monitor you regularly while you are taking Metoprolol. If you have breathing problems, discuss with your doctor how Metoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Metoprolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Diabetes: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking metoprolol. Metoprolol may make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Metoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Metoprolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor will monitor you while you are taking Metoprolol and may need to adjust the doses of antidiabetes medications.
Dizziness or fainting: Dizziness or fainting are side effects of metoprolol and may occur after first starting Metoprolol. Avoid driving and other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Metoprolol affects you.
Heart disease: Beta-blockers, such as metoprolol, can worsen existing heart failure. It is important to take 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 Metoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Metoprolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Hyperthyroidism (high level of Thyroid hormones): 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 Metoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of 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 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 Metoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of 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, 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 Metoprolol to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Metoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of 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 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: 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 Metoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of 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. Metoprolol may make it more difficult to treat severe allergic reactions with Epinephrine.
Stopping the medication: People with heart disease who stop taking Metoprolol abruptly may experience severe effects, such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or heart attack. If you have heart disease, do not stop taking Metoprolol without checking with your doctor first. When 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 metoprolol.
Pregnancy: The medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Metoprolol, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Metoprolol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking metoprolol, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Metoprolol have not been established for children.
Seniors: Normal adult doses of metoprolol may cause a drop in blood pressure that is larger than anticipated. Lower doses may be necessary for seniors.
