Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 12, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Lopressor
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Cardiovascular Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Beta-Adrenergic Blocker, Cardioselective
Uses for metoprolol
Metoprolol injection is used to reduce the risk of death from an acute heart attack. It is given to people who have already had a heart attack.
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker. It works by affecting the response to nerve impulses in certain parts of the body, like the heart. As a result, the heart beats slower and decreases the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen is increased to the heart.
Metoprolol is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using metoprolol
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For metoprolol, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to metoprolol or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of metoprolol injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of metoprolol injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of metoprolol injection than younger adults and are more likely to have age-related liver or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving metoprolol injection.
Breastfeeding
Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.
