Hypertensive patients who take Betaloc for a long time need to be aware of these six medication details

When it comes to Betaloc, I believe everyone is familiar with it. Its generic name is Metoprolol, which is a selective beta-blocker. The drug has the effect of slowing down the heart rate and dilating blood vessels. Because of its precise efficacy, economy and convenience, it is favored by doctors and patients. However, for patients with hypertension who take this drug for a long time, these six medication details should be kept in mind.

1. Can asthma patients use Betaloc?

First of all, it should be made clear that patients who are in the acute stage of asthma or have a recent history of asthma attacks are prohibited from using any type of beta-blockers. This is mainly because non-selective beta-blockers can act on beta receptors on myocardium and bronchial smooth muscle at the same time. While lowering blood pressure, they will also increase airway resistance, thereby inducing or aggravating bronchial asthma.

Although Betaloc has a high selectivity for β1 receptors and lacks intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, the effect of increasing airway resistance is relatively mild when used, but the selectivity of this drug is relative. Therefore, asthma patients still need to use it with caution. During use, you need to closely observe your symptoms and stop taking the drug in time if your symptoms worsen.

2. Do not stop taking the medicine without authorization

Betaloc should not be discontinued suddenly, otherwise it will cause a rapid heart rate and a sudden increase in cardiac oxygen consumption, which is what we often call "withdrawal reaction". Severe cases may induce myocardial infarction and angina pectoris, which are life-threatening. Therefore, if the actual situation requires discontinuation of the drug, the dosage should be gradually reduced, and the reduction process should last at least two weeks.

3. Monitor your heart rate

As we all know, Betaloc is a selective beta-blocker that can reduce heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption, reducing the number of heart beats. However, for people with a heart rate below 50 beats per minute, it will cause the heart rate to become slower, leading to insufficient blood and oxygen supply to the body's target organs, mainly manifested as fatigue, dizziness, black spots in front of the eyes, etc.

4. Monitor your blood pressure

Betaloc slows down the heart rate and reduces the impact of blood on blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure. The circulatory power of people with low blood pressure is already lower than that of normal people. Taking Betaloc will cause blood pressure to drop further, causing damage to target organs. Therefore, patients who take it for a long time should monitor their blood pressure levels regularly. Patients with blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg are prohibited from using this drug.

5. Prohibited groups

(1) People with low blood pressure

This is mainly because taking Betaloc will block the beta receptors on the blood vessels, causing the patient's blood vessels and trachea to dilate, thereby lowering blood pressure. The pressure of the circulating arteries in patients with hypotension is much lower than that of normal people. If you still take Betaloc, it will increase the risk of hypotensive shock and cause varying degrees of heart failure.

(2) People with bradycardia

As we all know, Betaloc slows down the heart rate. Therefore, it is suitable for patients with tachycardia. However, if a patient with a low heart rate takes Betaloc, the heart rate will become even lower, which will cause damage to the target organs, such as insufficient blood supply to the brain and heart. Therefore, it is not recommended for patients with a heart rate below 50 beats/minute to use this drug.

(3) Patients with sexual dysfunction

This is mainly because Betaloc is a highly selective β1 receptor blocker, which will also activate the α receptors in the body after taking the drug, which will compress the local blood vessels in the body, leading to male sexual dysfunction, mainly manifested as decreased libido and decreased sexual function, and even impotence in severe cases. Therefore, patients with sexual dysfunction are not recommended to use Betaloc.

(4) Diabetic patients

This is mainly because Betaloc affects the body's metabolism and causes insulin resistance. In addition, it inhibits glycogenolysis, delays the recovery of blood sugar levels, and thus increases blood sugar levels in the body. Therefore, diabetic patients should use this drug with caution.

6. Timing of medication

So, should Betaloc be taken before or after meals? Are there any special requirements? There are two common forms of Betaloc on the market, one is Metoprolol Tartrate Tablets and the other is Metoprolol Succinate Sustained Release Tablets. The former is recommended to be taken before meals because food will affect the absorption of the drug. The latter is not affected by food and can be taken before or after meals.