What should you know about metoprolol for blood pressure?

Metoprolol is a beta blocker. It reduces the effect of stress hormones on the heart, which can slow the pulse and reduce the force of contraction. This may lower blood pressure and may also help some people with angina, heart failure or certain rhythm problems. It is not a cure for hypertension, and the reading can be affected by salt intake, body weight, sleep, kidney health and other conditions. Some people notice tiredness, dizziness, cold hands or a slower pulse.

Take metoprolol at the same time each day and follow the label for the exact formulation. Do not stop it suddenly, because the heart can respond to the sudden loss of beta-blocker effect. If you miss a dose, follow the instructions supplied with your prescription rather than doubling up. Check blood pressure and pulse as advised, rise slowly if dizzy, and tell your clinician about asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or other heart medicines.

Get urgent help for fainting, severe weakness, new breathing difficulty, swelling with breathlessness, or chest pressure that does not settle. Contact your prescriber for a repeatedly very slow pulse, troublesome dizziness, wheezing or worsening fatigue. A sudden facial droop, speech trouble or one-sided weakness needs emergency assessment for possible stroke.

Ask what blood pressure and pulse range you should aim for, which formulation you are taking, what to do after a missed dose, how it interacts with other medicines, and when your dose should be reviewed.