What are Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets prescribed to treat?
Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets are used in the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) and may be used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications. Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets are also used to relieve chest pain (angina) and may be used in certain patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), along with other medications.
Please refer to the Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets Product Insert Sheet for additional information.
How should this medicine be used?
Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets comes as a tablet to take by mouth. ETHEX’s long-acting product is usually taken once a day and you should try to take it at the same time each day. The amount that you will take will depend on your diagnosis and response to treatment. You should take Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets exactly as directed by your physician.
Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets are scored and can be divided; however, the whole or half tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets help control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to take Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets even if you feel well. Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor. Patients should not stop taking Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets suddenly because of the possibility of serious side effects, such as chest pain or a heart attack. If your doctor decides you should stop taking Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets, your doctor or health care provider may instruct you to slowly reduce your dose over a period of time before stopping it completely.
Please refer to the Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets Product Insert Sheet for additional information.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor.
Please refer to the Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets Product Insert Sheet for additional information.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Take Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets with or immediately following a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day. Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow the diet directions carefully.
Please refer to the Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets Product Insert Sheet for additional information.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Please refer to the Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets Product Insert Sheet for additional information.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Please refer to the Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets Product Insert Sheet for additional information.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets are usually well tolerated, side effects can occur. Some of the most common side effects may be:
Please refer to the Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets Product Insert Sheet for additional information.
What special precautions should I follow when taking Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets?
Before taking Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets,
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Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metoprolol or any other drugs.
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Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and over-the-counter medications, including vitamins and herbal products, you are taking, especially medications for migraine headaches, asthma, allergies, colds, or pain; other medications for heart or high blood pressure; and reserpine.
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Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or other lung disease; heart, liver, or kidney disease; diabetes; circulation problems; severe allergies; or thyroid problems.
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Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets, discuss treatment options with your doctor.
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If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets.
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You should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
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In diabetic patients, Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets may cause blood sugar levels to rise. Also, this medicine may cover up signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as change in pulse rate.
Please refer to the Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets Product Insert Sheet for additional information.
Why are ETHEX Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets a different color/tablet size than the branded version?
Your prescription was filled with an ETHEX product, rather than a product sold by a brand company or another generic company. The ETHEX product may look different in shape, size or color than the product you previously received; however, it has been found to be “therapeutically equivalent” to the brand product by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on the type and amounts of active ingredient(s) it contains, as well as how it is expected to work.
Drugs may differ from the brand in certain ways, such as their shape, release mechanisms, packaging, excipients (colors, flavors, and preservatives), expiration date/time and minor aspects of labeling, but still be found therapeutically equivalent to the brand by the FDA. When your doctor considers such differences to be important, your prescription can be written in such a way that only a product from a particular company will be given to you. But when your doctor does not write your prescription in this way, your pharmacist may provide you with a product considered to be an appropriate substitute for the one named on your prescription.
Are ETHEX Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets dye free?
Yes
Are Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets covered by my insurance?
Check with your pharmacist to determine whether your specific insurance plan covers Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets. As a generic medication, this may be available at a lower co-pay than a brand name medication.