Metoprolol belongs to the class of medications called beta-blockers. Metoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure and prevent the symptoms of certain types of Angina (chest pain). It is also used to help reduce the risk of death right after a Heart Attack. It works by reducing the demands put on the heart.

Metoprolol is also taken by people who have had a heart attack to reduce the risk of having another one. Metoprolol is often used in combination with other high blood pressure medications such as diuretics (water pills) when the use of one medication by itself is not enough to control blood pressure.

Apo Metoprolol may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Apo Metoprolol may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Apo Metoprolol may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Apo Metoprolol for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Apo Metoprolol, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Apo Metoprolol without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Apo Metoprolol to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Apo Metoprolol if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The usual maintenance dose of metoprolol ranges from 100 mg daily to 200 mg daily, however the dose may be increased to 400 mg daily if necessary to obtain symptom control. Immediate-release tablets are taken in 2 divided doses while slow-release tablets are taken once a day.

The medication should be taken with or soon after a meal. Try to take the doses of metoprolol at the same time each day.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Apo Metoprolol be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Apo Metoprolol at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

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 Apo Metoprolol. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Apo Metoprolol with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Apo 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 Apo Metoprolol.

Apo-Metoprolol

25 mg
Each white, oval, biconvex, tablet, scored and engraved "ME 25" on one side and "APO" on the other, contains 25 mg of Metoprolol Tartrate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.

50 mg
Each white, scored, biconvex, round tablet, identified "APO" over "M50", contains 50 mg of metoprolol tartrate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.

100 mg
Each white, scored, biconvex, round tablet, identified "APO" over "M100", contains 100 mg of metoprolol tartrate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.

Apo-Metoprolol (Type L)

50 mg
Each pink, film-coated, capsule-shaped tablet, scored on one side and identified "50" on the other, contains 50 mg of metoprolol. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, D&C Red No. 30 Aluminum Lake 30%, sunset yellow aluminum lake 40%, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, Polyethylene Glycol 3350, and titanium dioxide.

100 mg
Each blue, film-coated, capsule-shaped tablet, scored on one side and identified "100" on the other, contains 100 mg of metoprolol. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, indigotine aluminum lake (FD&C Blue No. 2), lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol 3350, and titanium dioxide.