Metoprolol
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker tablet for high blood pressure, angina and heart failure, listed here as Beloc in 20mg and 40mg, and Toprol and Toprol XL in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.
A beta-blocker that takes the strain off the heart
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker, and a widely used one. It blocks the effect of adrenaline on the heart, so the heart beats more slowly and with less force and the blood vessels relax. Blood pressure comes down and the heart muscle needs less oxygen. That is why metoprolol is used for high blood pressure, angina (chest pain that appears when the heart is short of oxygen), heart failure and some irregular heart rhythms, and why it improves survival after a heart attack.
How it is taken
Standard metoprolol tablets go down once or twice a day, with a meal or straight after one: breakfast, and the evening meal if there is a second tablet. The extended-release version is one tablet a day. Metoprolol holds blood pressure and heart rate down while it is in the system and does not cure the condition behind them, so the benefit lasts only as long as the daily routine does.
Beloc, Toprol and Toprol XL compared
All three metoprolol products here are tablets. Beloc comes in 20mg and 40mg; Toprol and Toprol XL each come in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. Toprol XL is the extended-release one — the XL is the clue — releasing the drug slowly so a single tablet covers the day. Beloc and Toprol are standard tablets. Which strength suits depends on how far the blood pressure and heart rate need to come down, and the range on offer leaves room to move up in small steps. All three sit in the heart and blood pressure range.
Side effects to expect, and signs of trouble
Tiredness, dizziness and light-headedness are what most people notice first, sometimes with cold hands and feet. A dry mouth, loose stools, itching or a rash and broken sleep also turn up. A pulse that feels very slow, fainting, swollen ankles, breathlessness or wheezing are not ordinary side effects and need prompt attention. If you have diabetes, note that metoprolol can blunt the early warnings of low blood sugar.
Alcohol, other medicines, and coming off it
Alcohol adds to the drop in blood pressure and heart rate, so a drink can leave you dizzier than usual. Other medicines that slow the heart or lower blood pressure add to the effect too. Metoprolol is not stopped overnight: cutting it off suddenly can cause a fast heartbeat, a jump in blood pressure or worsening chest pain, so it is reduced in steps. Leave the tablets in their original packaging until you take them.
Sources
- Metoprolol: MedlinePlus Drug Information — MedlinePlus / National Library of Medicine
- Heart failure - symptoms, causes and treatments - Healthdirect — Healthdirect Australia
Is Metoprolol available to order in Hong Kong?
Metoprolol can be ordered online with delivery to Hong Kong. It comes as tablets in several versions, generic Beloc in 20mg and 40mg, generic Toprol and generic Toprol Xl in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. Delivery is by tracked courier and takes five to nine business days, with online tracking.
What is the price of Metoprolol?
It depends on the product, strength and pack size. Each of the three metoprolol products listed here shows its current prices in HKD or the currency you select.
Do I need a prescription to order Metoprolol?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order metoprolol. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What is another name for metoprolol?
Lopressor, Seloken and Toprol are brand names of metoprolol, which is also sold as Betaloc, Metohexal and Selozok. Here, metoprolol can be bought online as generic Toprol and generic Beloc. These are generics, not the original brand.
What is the difference between Toprol and Toprol XL?
Toprol XL is the extended-release version of the same medicine, made to release metoprolol slowly so one tablet covers the whole day. Toprol is a standard tablet and is usually taken once or twice daily. Both are listed here in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.
Can I drink alcohol with metoprolol?
Alcohol lowers blood pressure as well, so the two together can leave you lightheaded or dizzy, especially when you stand up quickly. The effect is stronger after several drinks in one sitting. Alcohol also tends to make the tiredness that metoprolol can cause worse.
Does metoprolol affect blood sugar?
It can, in two ways. Metoprolol can make low blood sugar more likely, and it can mask the early warning signs such as shakiness and a pounding heartbeat, so a low may be noticed later than usual. This matters most to people with diabetes who use insulin or blood-sugar-lowering tablets.
Can I stop metoprolol suddenly?
No. Stopping all at once can bring on a fast or irregular heartbeat, a sharp rise in blood pressure or worsening chest pain, and for someone with heart disease that can be dangerous. Metoprolol is normally reduced in steps rather than stopped outright.