Corvitol

Drug name: Corvitol

Other names used:

• Betaloc®
• Neobloc®
• Seleken®
• Selokeen®
• Toprol XL®

Active Ingredients: Metoprolol

Therapeutic actions: Metoprolol is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta blockers for short. As the name implies, beta blockers block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the heart and blood vessels. These receptors are what stress hormones (such as adrenaline) attach to, causing certain reactions in the body. These reactions can include increases in:

• Heart rate
• The force in which the heart pumps blood
• Blood pressure (both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure).

Metoprolol helps to block a specific type of beta receptor called beta-1 receptors. By blocking beta-1 receptors, metoprolol causes the reverse effect of these stress hormones. It decreases heart rate and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as the workload of the heart. This means that the heart requires less blood and oxygen to work properly.

Indications: Metoprolol has been licensed to treat a number of conditions. The uses for immediate-release metoprolol include:

• Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Relieving angina symptoms
• Improving survival following a heart attack.

The extended-release metoprolol uses include treatment for:

• High blood pressure
• Angina
• Congestive heart failure.

Contraindications and cautions: You should not take metoprolol if you:

• Are allergic to metoprolol, other beta blockers, or any inactive component used to make metoprolol. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist has a list of inactive ingredients.
• Have a slow heartbeat (less than 45 beats a minute).
• Have certain types of irregular heart rhythms (specifically second or third degree heart block).
• Have serious congestive heart failure.
• Have sick sinus syndrome.

Prior to taking metoprolol , you should tell your healthcare provider if you have:

• Heart disease, including congestive heart failure, a history of heart attack, or an irregular heart rhythm
• A slow heart rate
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Emphysema
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Pheochromocytoma
• Psoriasis
• Hyperthyroidism
• Raynaud's phenomenon or other circulation problems
• A blood vessel disease
• Any allergies, including allergies to other beta blockers, foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:

• Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.

Adverse effects: Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Metoprolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness or lightheadedness
• tiredness
• depression
• upset stomach
• dry mouth
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• gas or bloating
• heartburn
• constipation
• rash or itching
• cold hands and feet
• runny nose

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• shortness of breath
• wheezing
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• unusual weight gain
• fainting
• rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Especially pay attention to the following drugs:

• Reserpine
• Clonidine (Catapres®, Duraclon®)
• Amiodarone (Cordarone®)
• Cimetidine (Tagamet®)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac®)
• Paroxetine (Paxil®, Paxil CR®, Pexeva™)
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin®)
• Thioridazine (Mellaril®)
• Quinidine
• Propafenone (Rythmol®)
• Ritonavir (Norvir®)
• Diphenhydramine (Banophen®, Benadryl®)
• Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil®)
• Calcium channel blockers, such as:
• Amlodipine (Norvasc®)
• Verapamil (Calan®, Isoptin®)
• Verapamil Extended-Release (Calan® SR, Covera-HS®, Isoptin® SR, Verelan®, Verelan®-PM)
• Diltiazem (Cardizem®)
• Diltiazem ER (Cardizem® CD, Cardizem® LA, Cardizem® SR, Dilacor XR®, Diltia XT®, Tiazac®)
• Nifedipine (Adalat®, Procardia®)
• Nifedipine ER (Adalat® CC, Procardia XL®)
• Felodipine (Plendil®)
• Nisoldipine (Sular®)
• Isradipine (DynaCirc®)
• Nicardipine (Cardene®)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®), naproxen (Naprosyn®), naproxen sodium (Aleve®, Anaprox®, Naprelan®), diclofenac (Cataflam®, Voltaren®), indomethacin (Indocin®), nabumetone (Relafen®), oxaprozin (Daypro®), celecoxib (Celebrex®), meloxicam (Mobic®), etodolac (Lodine®), ketoprofen, ketorolac (Toradol®), and others
• Certain Diabetes medicines, such as glyburide (Diabeta®, Glynase™, Micronase®)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as isocarboxazid (Marplan®), phenelzine (Nardil®), selegiline (Eldepryl®, EMSAM®), and tranylcypromine (Parnate®).

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.