Metoprolol Tartrate (Neobloc) 50mg Beta Adrenoceptor Blocker Tablet 100's

Product Description:

Metoprolol Tartrate (Neobloc) 50mg is a beta-blocker medication used to treat a variety of cardiovascular conditions. Metoprolol works by selectively blocking the beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate and blood pressure. It helps to decrease the heart's workload and oxygen demand, making it useful in conditions like hypertension, angina, and heart failure.

Each Neobloc tablet contains 50mg of Metoprolol Tartrate. It is available in a bottle containing 100 tablets, which are typically taken orally with or without food. Metoprolol Tartrate is a short-acting formulation, often taken multiple times a day depending on the prescribing doctor's recommendation.

Indications:

Metoprolol Tartrate (Neobloc) is indicated for:

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):

   • Metoprolol is commonly prescribed to manage hypertension by reducing blood pressure and minimizing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney issues.

2. Angina Pectoris (Chest Pain):

   • Used to treat chronic stable angina, reducing the frequency and severity of angina attacks.

3. Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack):

   • Metoprolol is used post-heart attack to reduce the risk of further complications, such as arrhythmias, and to improve survival rates.

4. Heart Failure (Chronic):

   • As part of heart failure management, Metoprolol helps to improve heart function, reduce hospitalization rates, and enhance survival in people with chronic heart failure.

5. Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeats):

   • In some cases, it is used to control certain types of arrhythmias by reducing heart rate and improving the rhythm of the heart.

Dosage:

The dosage of Metoprolol Tartrate (Neobloc) depends on the condition being treated and the patient’s response to the medication.

Hypertension:

• Initial dose: 50 mg once or twice a day.

• The dose may be gradually increased, typically up to 100-200 mg per day, depending on response.

Angina:

• Initial dose: 50 mg once or twice a day.

• The dose can be increased up to 100 mg per day in divided doses.

Acute Myocardial Infarction:

• Initial dose: 50 mg every 6 hours for the first 48 hours, starting 15 minutes after the first dose of the heart attack treatment.

Heart Failure:

• Initial dose: Start with a low dose of 12.5-25 mg once daily.

• Gradually increase the dose based on tolerance, up to 200 mg per day.

Arrhythmias:

• The dose varies based on the type and severity of the arrhythmia. Initial doses generally start at 50 mg twice daily, with adjustments made depending on response.

Note: Metoprolol should be taken orally with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or split.

Side Effects:

Common side effects of Metoprolol Tartrate (Neobloc) may include:

Common Side Effects:

• Fatigue or tiredness.

• Dizziness or light-headedness, especially when standing up quickly (due to blood pressure reduction).

• Bradycardia (slowed heart rate).

• Cold hands or feet.

• Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Serious Side Effects:

• Severe bradycardia (very slow heart rate), leading to fainting or dizziness.

• Hypotension (severely low blood pressure), causing fainting, dizziness, or shock.

• Heart failure symptoms such as swelling in the legs or ankles, shortness of breath, or weight gain.

• Severe allergic reactions: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which could lead to difficulty breathing.

• Worsening of asthma or respiratory symptoms.

• Depression or mood changes.

• Hallucinations or other severe psychiatric effects (rare).

Other Possible Side Effects:

• Impotence or sexual dysfunction.

• Sleep disturbances like insomnia or vivid dreams.

• Rash or skin reactions.

Contraindications:

Metoprolol Tartrate (Neobloc) should not be used in the following situations:

1. Hypersensitivity:

   • Allergy to Metoprolol Tartrate or any of the excipients in the tablet formulation.

2. Severe Bradycardia:

   • Not recommended for patients with heart rate below 45-50 beats per minute (severe bradycardia), as it could worsen the condition.

3. Heart Block:

   • Contraindicated in patients with second- or third-degree heart block (without a pacemaker), as it could further slow down the heart rate.

4. Cardiogenic Shock:

   • Metoprolol should not be used in patients with cardiogenic shock or severe circulatory failure, as it could exacerbate the condition.

5. Severe Hypotension:

   • Contraindicated in patients with severely low blood pressure or those who are in shock, as it could worsen hypotension.

6. Asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease):

   • Use with caution in patients with asthma or COPD. Non-selective beta-blockers can cause bronchospasm, but Metoprolol is beta-1 selective, reducing this risk. Still, it should be avoided if possible in patients with severe respiratory disease.

7. Severe Peripheral Arterial Disease:

   • Contraindicated in patients with severe peripheral arterial disease as it could worsen circulation problems.

8. Pheochromocytoma:

   • Metoprolol should not be used without appropriate alpha-blocker treatment in patients with pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal gland, as it could cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure.

9. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

   • Pregnancy Category C: Metoprolol should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary, and the potential risks should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

   • Breastfeeding: Metoprolol is excreted into breast milk, so caution is needed if it is used during breastfeeding. It should only be prescribed if the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Precautions:

• Caution in Renal and Hepatic Impairment: Metoprolol should be used cautiously in patients with kidney or liver impairment. Dose adjustments may be necessary.

• Abrupt Discontinuation: Do not abruptly stop taking Metoprolol, as this may lead to a rebound increase in blood pressure or a potential risk of angina or heart attack. Gradual tapering under a doctor’s supervision is recommended.

• Diabetes: Metoprolol may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as tachycardia. Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar levels closely.

• Thyroid Disease: Use caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, as Metoprolol can mask signs of thyroid storm (such as rapid heart rate).

• Depression: In some cases, Metoprolol may exacerbate or cause depressive symptoms. Monitor for mood changes.

Drug Interactions:

Metoprolol may interact with several other medications, including:

1. Other Antihypertensive Medications:

   • The blood pressure-lowering effects can be enhanced when used with other antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers), increasing the risk of hypotension.

2. Calcium Channel Blockers:

   • Combining Metoprolol with verapamil or diltiazem (calcium channel blockers) can significantly slow down the heart rate and may lead to heart block or heart failure.

3. Digoxin:

   • The combination of Metoprolol and digoxin can result in bradycardia (slow heart rate), so monitoring is required.

4. Antiarrhythmic Drugs:

   • Careful monitoring is required when combining with drugs like amiodarone or quinidine because they can enhance the effects of Metoprolol on heart rate.

5. Insulin and Oral Hypoglycemic Agents:

   • Metoprolol can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, so patients with diabetes need to be cautious and monitor blood glucose levels regularly.

6. NSAIDs:

   • Chronic use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may reduce the effectiveness of Metoprolol in lowering blood pressure.

Conclusion:

Metoprolol Tartrate (Neobloc) 50mg is a beta-blocker commonly used to manage hypertension, angina, heart failure, and to improve survival following heart attacks. While it is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, bradycardia, and gastrointestinal issues. It should be avoided in patients with severe bradycardia, heart block, or severe hypotension, and used with caution in conditions such as asthma and diabetes. Always follow the prescribed dosage, and consult a healthcare provider before stopping or adjusting the medication.