Metolar 50: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also known as: Metolar, Metolar XR 50, Metolar 50 mg, Metoprolol succinate 50 mg, Metoprolol 50 mg
Metolar 50 is a prescription tablet containing 50 mg of metoprolol succinate, a beta blocker. It is used to treat high blood pressure and angina and, in some people, heart failure. It is taken only on a doctor's prescription, is usually taken once a day for a long time, and must not be stopped suddenly or started without a doctor.
- Active ingredient
- Metoprolol 50 mg
- Type of medicine
- Beta blockers
- Used for
- High blood pressure
- Starts working in
- Heart rate and blood pressure begin to fall within hours; the full effect on blood pressure can take a few weeks
- Effect lasts
- The extended-release form is designed to work through the day, which is why it is usually taken once a day
- With or without food
- Can be taken with or without food; follow the label or your doctor's advice
- Alcohol
- Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and cause dizziness; ask your doctor
- Pregnancy
- Ask your doctor; it is sometimes used in pregnancy under medical supervision, so do not stop it on your own
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- VERIFY on pack
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
- What is Metolar 50 used for?
- How does Metolar 50 work?
- How to take Metolar 50
- Side effects of Metolar 50
- Who should be careful
- Medicines and things that interact with Metolar 50
- If someone takes too much
- Storage
- Regulatory status in India
- Other brands with the same medicine
- Other strengths and forms
- Common questions
What is Metolar 50 used for?
Metolar 50 is a prescription medicine. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to treat high blood pressure, angina and, in some people, heart failure.
- Treating high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults
- Reducing attacks of angina (chest pain from the heart) and improving the ability to exercise
- Treating heart failure in some people, as part of treatment decided by a doctor
How does Metolar 50 work?
Metoprolol blocks the effect of adrenaline on beta-1 receptors in the heart. The heart beats more slowly and with less force, so blood pressure falls and the heart has less work to do. This also helps to reduce attacks of angina.
What happens in your body after you take it
You swallow the tablet
The extended-release tablet is swallowed whole with water and releases metoprolol slowly as it passes through the gut. It should not be crushed or chewed.
It enters the blood
Metoprolol is absorbed into the blood and carried to the heart and blood vessels.
It blocks beta-1 receptors
In the heart, metoprolol attaches to beta-1 receptors and stops adrenaline from switching them on.
The heart slows and pressure falls
With less adrenaline stimulation, the heart beats more slowly and less forcefully. Blood pressure falls and the heart needs less oxygen.
The body clears it
The liver breaks metoprolol down and the kidneys remove it. The extended-release design keeps the effect going through the day. If doses are stopped suddenly, the heart can race and the condition can get worse.
How to take Metolar 50
Take Metolar 50 exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
- It is usually taken once a day, at about the same time each day.
- Swallow the tablet with water. Do not crush or chew it; ask your pharmacist whether your tablet can be split.
- It can be taken with or without food. Follow the label or your doctor's advice.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
- Do not stop taking it suddenly, even if you feel well, because this can make your condition worse. Talk to your doctor first.
- Your doctor may check your pulse and blood pressure from time to time.
Side effects of Metolar 50
Most people take metoprolol without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Tiredness, dizziness or weakness
- Headache
- Cold hands or feet
- Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhoea
- A slow heartbeat
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Shortness of breath, swollen ankles or legs, or an irregular heartbeat
- Wheezing, a tight chest or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain that is new, lasts more than a few minutes or is worse than usual
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or a severe rash (a serious allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Unexplained or easy bruising
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking Metolar 50, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to metoprolol or any ingredient of the tablet
- Very slow heartbeat, heart block or sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker
- Shock caused by heart failure, or decompensated heart failure
- Stopping it suddenly without a doctor's advice
- Do not stop it suddenly: this can make chest pain or heart problems worse. Talk to your doctor first
- Asthma or other breathing problems: it can make them worse
- Diabetes: it can hide the signs of low blood sugar, such as a fast heartbeat
- Slow heartbeat, heart block, very low blood pressure or severe heart failure
- Overactive thyroid or poor circulation in the legs
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: ask your doctor; do not stop it on your own
- Surgery or dental work: tell the doctor or dentist that you take it
Medicines and things that interact with Metolar 50
Metolar 50 can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and painkillers bought over the counter.
- Other blood pressure and heart medicines, including verapamil, diltiazem, digoxin and clonidine: heart rate and blood pressure may fall too far
- Some antidepressants and heart rhythm medicines, such as fluoxetine, paroxetine and quinidine: they can raise its level in the blood
- Reserpine and some medicines for depression (MAO inhibitors): heart rate and blood pressure may fall too far
- NSAID painkillers, decongestants and some cold remedies: ask a pharmacist first
- Insulin and diabetes tablets: signs of low blood sugar may be hidden
- Alcohol: can add to dizziness and low blood pressure
If someone takes too much
Too much can slow the heart and cause dizziness, trembling and difficulty breathing. If someone has taken more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you. Do not drive yourself.
Storage
Store below 30 C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture, in the original strip, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient metoprolol is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Metolar 50 contains metoprolol only.
Other brands with the same medicine
Metoprolol tablets are sold under other brand names and as generic medicines. They contain the same medicine; check the label for the strength. Some products also contain other medicines, so do not switch between them without asking your doctor.
Other strengths and forms
Metoprolol is sold as extended-release (succinate) and shorter-acting (tartrate) tablets, in several strengths, and in combination tablets with other medicines. They are not interchangeable without a doctor's advice, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
Is Metolar 50 a prescription medicine?
Yes. Metoprolol is a prescription-only medicine in India. It should be taken only if a doctor has prescribed it, and it should not be started, stopped or changed without the doctor's advice. Keep taking it as directed even when you feel well.
Can I stop Metolar 50 suddenly?
No. Stopping suddenly can make your condition worse, including chest pain or a fast heartbeat. If you want to stop, or side effects bother you, talk to your doctor first. The doctor will usually lower the dose gradually.
Why do I need Metolar 50 even when I feel fine?
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms, but over the years it can damage the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. The medicine works only while you take it. Do not stop on your own, even if readings are normal.
Can Metolar 50 cause tiredness or a slow pulse?
Tiredness, dizziness and a slow heartbeat are known effects. Tell your doctor if you feel faint, very weak or your pulse is very slow. Do not stop the medicine yourself.
Can I take Metolar 50 if I have asthma or diabetes?
Metoprolol can make asthma worse and can hide the signs of low blood sugar. Tell your doctor about asthma, wheeze or diabetes before you start, and do not change the medicine on your own.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Metolar 50?
Take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and carry on as usual. Never take two doses together to make up for a missed one. If you often forget, ask your doctor or pharmacist for tips.
What is the difference between Metolar 50 and Metoprolol?
Metolar is a brand name, and metoprolol is the medicine inside it. Generic tablets of the same strength contain the same active ingredient. Check the strength and ingredient list on the pack, and ask your doctor before switching products.
Sources
- Metoprolol: a medicine for high blood pressure and heart problems. NHS (UK)
- How and when to take metoprolol. NHS (UK)
- Metoprolol: pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility. NHS (UK)
- Metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets: prescribing information (Granules India). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- ATC/DDD Index: C07AB Beta blocking agents, selective. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)