Betacard
Generic Name
Metoprolol Tartrate
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| betacard 50 mg tablet | ৳ 2.00 | ৳ 20.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Betacard-50 mg tablet contains Metoprolol Tartrate, a selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker used to treat high blood pressure, angina pectoris, heart failure, and certain heart rhythm disorders. It works by slowing down the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Hypertension: 50-100 mg daily in single or divided doses. Angina: 50-100 mg daily in divided doses. Post-MI: 50 mg twice daily. Heart Failure: Initially 12.5-25 mg once daily, titrated up slowly based on tolerance.
Elderly
Lower initial doses may be considered, but generally, dosage adjustment is not routinely required unless there is significant renal or hepatic impairment.
Renal_impairment
No specific dosage adjustment is usually required for renal impairment, but caution is advised in severe cases.
How to Take
Take orally with or without food, preferably at the same time each day. Do not crush or chew the tablet; swallow whole.
Mechanism of Action
Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker. It selectively blocks beta-1 receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate, myocardial contractility, and cardiac output. This leads to a decrease in blood pressure and reduced oxygen demand by the heart.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Oral: 15 minutes; IV: rapid
Excretion
Primarily excreted via the kidneys (about 95%), with less than 5% excreted as unchanged drug.
Half life
3-7 hours
Absorption
Rapidly and completely absorbed from the GI tract (about 90%), but undergoes significant first-pass metabolism, resulting in approximately 50% systemic bioavailability.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized by the liver, primarily via CYP2D6, into inactive metabolites.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to metoprolol or other beta-blockers
- Second- or third-degree heart block (without a pacemaker)
- Sick sinus syndrome (without a pacemaker)
- Cardiogenic shock
- Severe bradycardia
- Decompensated heart failure
- Severe peripheral arterial disease
Drug Interactions
NSAIDs
May reduce the hypotensive effect of metoprolol.
Clonidine
Risk of rebound hypertension if clonidine is withdrawn abruptly while on metoprolol.
MAO inhibitors
May lead to significant hypertension or bradycardia.
Digitalis glycosides
Increased risk of bradycardia and AV block.
Insulin/oral hypoglycemic agents
May mask symptoms of hypoglycemia and alter glucose metabolism.
Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem)
Increased risk of bradycardia, heart block, and hypotension.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms include severe bradycardia, hypotension, cardiac insufficiency, bronchospasm, and hypoglycemia. Management includes gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and symptomatic supportive treatment (e.g., atropine for bradycardia, glucagon, IV fluids, vasopressors, bronchodilators).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Metoprolol is excreted in breast milk; advise caution during lactation and monitor infant for signs of beta-blockade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24-36 months from manufacturing date, refer to packaging for exact expiry.
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics
Approval Status
Approved by drug regulatory authorities (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Generic available (Patent expired for Metoprolol)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Metoprolol has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in hypertension, angina, and heart failure, including landmark trials like MERIT-HF and CAPRICORN.
Lab Monitoring
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Heart rate monitoring
- ECG (periodically)
- Renal function tests (in patients with impairment)
- Liver function tests (in patients with impairment)
- Blood glucose (especially in diabetic patients)
Doctor Notes
- Counsel patients on abrupt withdrawal risks.
- Monitor for signs of heart failure exacerbation during initiation/titration, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions.
- Careful use in patients with asthma or COPD due to potential for bronchospasm, though cardioselective.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Report any unusual side effects immediately.
- Regularly monitor your blood pressure and heart rate as advised by your doctor.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
May cause dizziness or fatigue, especially at the start of treatment or when the dose is increased. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Betacard affects you.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a healthy diet low in sodium and saturated fats.
- Engage in regular physical activity as approved by your doctor.
- Manage stress effectively.
- Quit smoking.
- Limit caffeine intake.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.