Metoprolol tartrate is a prescription medication available in oral tablet and injection form. An extended release version is also available. Metoprolol is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure, chest pain and to help prevent another heart attack soon after a heart attack. It is sold generically and under the brand name Lopressor.
Neurological
Common neurological side effects of metoprolol include dizziness and tiredness. Less common side effects include hallucinations, slurred speech, confusion, memory loss, depression, insomnia, a feeling one is about to fall, headache, nightmares, numb or tingling skin, ringing in the ear, blurry vision, dry eyes, and eye irritation or inflammation.
Cardiovascular and Blood-related
Common cardiovascular and blood-related side effects include irregular heart rhythm, congestive heart failure and development of antinuclear antibodies which attack the body's own cells. Less common side effects include stroke, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, heart pounding in the chest, pulmonary edema (fluid collects in the lungs) and peripheral vascular insufficiency (inadequate blood flow to the extremities). Other less common side effects include low blood sugar, high blood sugar, elevated liver enzymes and low blood granulocyte (a type of white blood cell) levels.
Gastrointestinal
Common gastrointestinal side effects include constipation, nausea, gas, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Less common side effects include dry mouth, heartburn, acute inflammation of the pancreas, enlarged liver, blood clot in the artery to the kidney or the intestine, loss of appetite and inflammation of the colon due to a lack of blood flow.
Respiratory
Respiratory side effects are uncommon, and include a cough, wheezing, obstruction of the airway, stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, sore throat and nasal inflammation.
Other Side Effects
Other common side effects of metoprolol include itching, rash and decreased tolerance to exercise. Less common side effects include difficulty walking, wheezing, cold hands and feet, swelling of feet and legs, growth of thick tissue that can block the tubes exiting the kidneys, increased sweating, musculoskeletal pain, joint pain, reversible balding, dry skin and muscle cramps.
According to the book "2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide," allergic side effects can occur with administration of metoprolol. These effects can include red rash, sore throat, fever and spasm of the vocal cords, which can be life-threatening.
References
- "2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide"; Amy M. Karch; 2005
- Drugs.com: Lopressor
- RxList.com: Lopressor Side Effects
Member Comments