1. Metoprolol as an Antihypertensive
Metoprolol is a cardiovascular system drug used alone, or in combination with other medications for the treatment of hypertension. It slows the heart rate and decreases the force of the heart's contractions, reducing its demand for oxygen. All of these actions result in a lowering of your blood pressure. Using metoprolol for hypertension is a treatment and not a cure for high blood pressure. Undetected high blood pressure can cause serious health issues such as heart failure, blood vessel and kidney disease or stroke. Therefore, it's important to diagnose and treat it as soon as possible.
2. Follow the Doctor's Orders
Your physician may initially prescribe 50 to 100 mg in a single or divided dose, increasing the dosage over the next several weeks, until your blood pressure is at an acceptable level. The most effective does for hypertension is 100 to 450 mg per day. It's important to follow your doctor's orders and take it as prescribed. You shouldn't stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting your doctor. It's especially important that you notify your doctor before discontinuing metoprolol. This is a medication should be tapered off over several weeks, and discontinuing it suddenly may worsen your condition. You'll need to notify your doctor if you feel any side effects after taking metoprolol, especially if they include symptoms such as shortness of breath, an extremely low blood pressure or a heart rate below 60 beats per minute.
3. Take It Off the Cuff
Your physician will individualize your dosage of metoprolol. Since it affects people differently, you'll need to keep a close check on your blood pressure and heart rate during this process. It may be a good idea to purchase a blood pressure monitor for home use if you don't already have one. If you're unfamiliar with measuring your own blood pressure, have your doctor or nurse show you how to position the cuff on your arm, to get an accurate reading. High blood pressure doesn't always produce noticeable symptoms, so it's important to continue to take your medication as prescribed, even if you're feeling well. Notify your physician if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. These may be indications that your blood pressure is too low, and you may require a review of your medication dosage.
4. To Crush or Not to Crush
Take metoprolol at the same time every day with food, or right after a meal, and with a full glass of water. If you're taking the extended release form, it's important that you don't chew or crush them. They release a predetermined amount of medication into your bloodstream over an extended period, and it's possible to get an overdose of medication if you don't swallow it intact. You can cut a pre-scored pill in half if your physician instructs you to do so.
