Brand names: Lopressor, Toprol, Betaloc
Peak effect:
- IV: as little 5 minutes if given as IV push; 20 minutes when infused over 10 minutes
- PO: 1-2 hours
Duration of action: 3-6 hours
Contraindications:
- Hypotension
- Low output state (decompensated heart failure)
- Increased risk of cardiogenic shock
- Significant first-degree heart block (PR >=0.24 s); [Metoprolol commonly produces mild first-degree heart block.]. Use caution in patients on other node-blocking agents (CCBs, cardiac glycosides).
- Second or third-degree heart block
- Sick sinus syndrome (except in patients with a pacemaker)
Indications:
- Uncontrolled atrial fibrillation: 2.5 to 5 mg IV every 2 to 5 mintes (max total dose 15 mg over 15 minutes). Avoid in patients with decompensated heart failure.
- One dose of 5 mg every 15 minutes is reasonable in a stable patient, with reduced risk of overshoot.
- A single dose of 5 mg IV may reduce heart rate by 40 bpm.
- Atrial fibrillation (maintenance): 25 to 100 mg PO BID.
- Myocardial infarction: 5 mg IV for up to 3 doses in early treatment of STEMI. Titrate to heart rate and BP.
- Angina: metoprolol 50 mg PO BID titrated up to 200 mg BID.
- Heart failure: 12.5 to 25 mg PO once daily. Max increase up to 200 mg daily. Use 12.5 mg if NYHA class III or IV. Be sure to use only after volume status is optimized.
- Hypertension: 50 mg PO BID up to 225 mg BID. Increase dose weekly.
- Thyrotoxicosis: 25 to 50 mg PO every 6 hours.
Dose conversion:
- Oral:IV ratio is approximately 2.5:1 (although range is 2:1 to 5:1)
- Immediate release total daily dose:extended release daily dose ratio is 1:1