Metoprolol belongs to a group of medicines called beta blockers.
It's used to:
- treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
- treat conditions that cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- help prevent future heart disease, heart attacks and strokes
- help prevent chest pain caused by angina
- prevent migraines
- reduce your symptoms if you have too much thyroid hormone in your body (thyrotoxicosis) – you'll usually take it together with other medicines to treat your symptoms
Metoprolol comes as tablets and is only available on prescription. It can also be given by injection, but this is usually done in hospital.
Key facts
- Metoprolol slows down your heart rate and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.
- Your doctor may advise you to take your very first dose before bedtime as it can make you feel dizzy.
- Metoprolol is usually taken once or twice a day, but sometimes it's prescribed to be taken up to 4 times a day.
- The main side effects of metoprolol are headaches and feeling sick, dizzy or tired. These are usually mild and only last for a short time.
- Tell your doctor if you're going to have surgery and due to have a general anaesthetic (be put to sleep). Metoprolol can lower your blood pressure too much when used with some anaesthetics.