Metoprolol: The guardian of hypertensive heart disease.
The name metoprolol is not unfamiliar to many people with high blood pressure and heart disease, and as a commonly used drug, it plays an important role in controlling the condition and improving the quality of life. However, many people may not fully understand the details of its use and how to use it, so today we will take an in-depth look at the application, contraindications and precautions of metoprolol to help you use this drug more scientifically.
First of all, what diseases is metoprolol suitable for?
First of all, it is mainly used for high blood pressure, especially young patients with fast heart rate, such patients can effectively lower blood pressure and reduce the burden on the heart by taking metoprolol.
Secondly, metoprolol also has significant efficacy in coronary heart disease, angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, which can inhibit sympathetic excitability and reduce myocardial oxygen consumption, thereby reducing the risk of death from myocardial infarction.
In addition, metoprolol is a boon for patients with heart failure, and in addition to contraindications, it can significantly reduce mortality in patients with heart failure. For tachyarrhythmias, such as premature beats of various natures, tachycardia, etc., metoprolol is also a good choice. Compared to other anti-arrhythmic drugs, it is relatively small.
However, metoprolol is not suitable for everyone and should be avoided in the following groups: patients with hypotension and cardiogenic shock; Patients with slow heart rate and atrioventricular block; Patients with acute heart failure attacks or unstable heart failure; Patients at risk of severe peripheral vascular disease and gangrene.
Metoprolol is available in a variety of dosage forms, of which metoprolol tartrate tablets and metoprolol succinate tablets are the two most common. Metoprolol tartrate tablets need to be taken twice a day, whereas metoprolol succinate tablets are long-acting medications and only need to be taken once a day. The choice of dosage form should be based on the doctor's advice and the patient's condition.
The following points should be taken especially when taking metoprolol:
Metoprolol extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole, not chewed or crushed.
Secondly, follow the principle of starting with a small dose and gradually increase the dose to the ideal dose. Abrupt discontinuation of the drug may lead to exacerbation of the condition, such as angina, myocardial infarction, ventricular tachycardia, etc., so discontinuation of the drug requires a gradual dose reduction, usually completed within 7-10 days.
In addition, you must follow the doctor's instructions and do not increase or decrease the dose at will. When increasing the dose, monitor your heart rate to ensure that it is not less than 55 minutes.
In chronic heart rate failure, metoprolol should be added to the effectiveness of conventional anti-heart failure drugs. It is not suitable for patients with severe heart failure in the acute phase.
In addition, high caution should be exercised when driving and operating machinery, as metoprolol may cause vertigo and fatigue. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma should be used with caution or without metoprolol. This medicine should also be avoided in pregnant and lactating women, as well as in fetuses and newborns.
Although metoprolol is generally safe, it still needs to be taken under the guidance of a doctor. Everyone's physical condition and condition are different, so it is important to have a detailed understanding of the indications, contraindications, and precautions before using any medication. Through a scientific approach to medication, we can not only better manage our condition, but also improve our quality of life and create a better future for ourselves and our families.