Metoprolol

What is metoprolol?

Metoprolol is a medicine called a beta-blocker. It is most often used to treat high blood pressure. It is also used for other conditions, such as to control an uneven or fast heartbeat, chest pain, or migraines.

You may hear metoprolol called by its brand names, Lopressor or Betaloc. Metoprolol comes in short- and long-acting tablets, as well as in a liquid form.

Before giving metoprolol to your child

Tell your doctor if your child has any of the following conditions:

• allergy to metoprolol or other beta-blockers
• problems with slow heartbeat

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if your child has any of the following conditions. Precautions may need to be taken with this medicine if your child has:

• diabetes
• asthma or bronchitis
• overactive thyroid
• heart failure
• severe liver disease
• present or past mental depression

How should you give your child metoprolol?

• Give metoprolol exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, even if your child seems better.
• Give metoprolol at the same time(s) every day.
• Metoprolol may be given with or without food.
• If your child is taking liquid metoprolol, shake the bottle well before you give your child the medicine for each dose. Measure the liquid dose with the special spoon or syringe that the pharmacist gave you.
• You may mix liquid metoprolol with a small amount of water or milk and give it to your child right away.
• The long-acting tablets may be cut in half. Each half must then be swallowed and not chewed or crushed. Do not cut the long-acting tablets smaller than one-half.
• Do not suddenly stop giving this medicine to your child. It is important to stop the medicine slowly over 1 to 2 weeks. Talk with your child's doctor before you stop giving this medicine for any reason.

What should you do if your child misses a dose of metoprolol?

• Give the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Give the next dose at the regular time.
• Do not give your child 2 doses to make up for 1 missed dose.

How long does metoprolol take to work?

It may take several weeks before metoprolol takes its full effect.

What are the possible side effects of metoprolol?

Your child may have some of these side effects while they take metoprolol. Check with your child's doctor if your child continues to have any of these side effects and they do not go away, or they bother your child:

• dizziness or lightheadedness
• tiredness
• trouble concentrating or changes in mood
• constipation or diarrhea (loose, watery stools)
• nightmares or problems sleeping

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. Call your child's doctor right away or take your child to Emergency if your child has any of these side effects:

• any change in heartbeat, such as faster, slower, or uneven heartbeats
• shortness of breath and/or wheezing
• severe dizziness leading to fainting spells (syncope)
• chest pain
• swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

What safety measures should you take when your child is using metoprolol?

Keep all appointments at the clinic or doctor's office so that the doctor can check your child's reaction to metoprolol.

Before your child has any medical tests, emergency treatment, or surgery (including dental surgery), tell the doctor or dentist that they are taking metoprolol.

This medicine may make your child dizzy, tired or less alert than normal. You should monitor your child's activities until you see how this medicine affects them. Tell your child's teacher that your child is taking this medicine.

To help avoid dizziness, your child should get out of bed or get up from a sitting position slowly. Your child should sit down or lie down if they feel dizzy. If this problem continues or gets worse, call your child's doctor.

If your child is diabetic, metoprolol may cause changes in the blood or urine sugar levels. Also, metoprolol may cover up signs of low blood sugar, such as changes in heart rate.

Metoprolol may make the symptoms of heart failure worse in some patients. Check with your doctor right away if your child has chest pain or discomfort, extreme tiredness, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, arms, or legs, or changes in heartbeat.

There are some medicines that should not be taken together with metoprolol, or in some cases the dose of metoprolol or the other medicine may need to be adjusted. It is important that you tell your doctor and pharmacist if your child takes any other medications (prescription, over the counter, herbal, or natural products).

Examples of medicines that may interfere with metoprolol or may increase blood pressure are:

• cough and cold medicines
• asthma medicines
• allergy medicines
• appetite control or diet pills

Always check with your doctor before giving your child any of these medicines.

What other important information should you know about metoprolol?

• Keep a list of all medications your child is on and show the list to the doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others. Do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Metoprolol liquid must be made by a pharmacy. Make sure your pharmacy is able to make metoprolol liquid for your child.
• Make sure you always have enough metoprolol to last through weekends, holidays, and vacations. Call your pharmacy at least 2 days before your child runs out of medicine to order refills.
• Keep metoprolol (liquid and tablets) at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Do NOT store it in the bathroom or kitchen.
• Do not keep any medicines that are out of date. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to throw away outdated or leftover medicines.
  

Keep metoprolol out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much metoprolol, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.