About Metoprolol Succinate 50 mg Tablet
Metoprolol Succinate 50 mg Tablet contains Metoprolol Succinate 50 mg (ER). This is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina) and some heart rhythm problems, and to help the heart in heart failure and after a heart attack. It is a slow-release tablet usually taken once a day. Do not stop it suddenly.
Uses of Metoprolol Succinate 50 mg Tablet
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain due to heart disease (angina)
- Heart failure (with other medicines)
- Some fast or irregular heart rhythms
- Protection of the heart after a heart attack
Benefits
In high blood pressure
Lowering blood pressure reduces the strain on the heart and lowers the risk of stroke and heart attack. You may not feel different, but keep taking it.
In angina and heart failure
It slows the heart and reduces its workload, which can mean fewer chest pain episodes and better heart function over time.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Slow heartbeat
- Cold hands and feet
- Headache
- Nausea
Get medical help if you notice
- Very slow heartbeat, fainting or feeling very faint — get medical help
- Worsening breathlessness, wheezing or swelling of the ankles — contact your doctor
- Chest pain that is new or worse, especially after stopping the medicine — seek emergency care
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually once a day at the same time. Swallow the tablet with water; do not crush or chew it. If your doctor allows the tablet to be split along the line, swallow both halves without chewing.
How it works
It blocks the effect of adrenaline on the heart. This slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure, reducing how hard the heart has to work.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and make you dizzy. Keep it to a minimum.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it. The baby's growth and heart rate may need to be monitored.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Small amounts pass into breast milk. Ask your doctor; the baby may need to be watched for a slow heartbeat.
Driving Caution
It can make you dizzy or tired, especially at the start. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Safe
Usually no dose change is needed in kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Liver Caution
Use with caution in severe liver disease; your doctor may lower the dose.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Do not stop it suddenly — this can make chest pain or heart problems worse. Your doctor will reduce the dose slowly if needed.
- Get up slowly from sitting or lying to avoid dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma or other breathing problems.
- If you have diabetes, it may hide some warning signs of low blood sugar, such as a fast heartbeat.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Same salts, other strengths or forms
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Aryloxypropanolamine derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Cardiovascular
- Action class
- Beta-1 selective adrenergic blocker
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Verapamil and diltiazem | Can slow the heart too much |
| Clonidine | Risk of a sharp rise in blood pressure if clonidine is stopped |
| Fluoxetine, paroxetine, some heart rhythm medicines | Can raise metoprolol levels |
| Insulin and diabetes tablets | May hide signs of low blood sugar |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Metoprolol succinate extended-release prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: metoprolol tartrate/succinate). Pharmacist review pending.