Metoprolol Dosage

If you are taking metoprolol, you may wonder what the optimal dosage is to attain the maximum benefits while minimizing the side effects. Rest assured that your doctor will work to find that proper balance, and has weighed this in his decision to prescribe the drug. The proper metoprolol dosage will depend on several factors. The amount that you take per day will often determine the pill that you receive from the pharmacy. You also need to understand how to avoid an overdose. Read on to learn what you have to know about metoprolol dosage.

Metoprolol dosage amount

For patients that are receiving this drug to manage high blood pressure or chest pains, the usual starting dosage is 100 mg per day. If you are taking an extended release tablet, then you will only need to take it once per day. Otherwise, you will have to take 2 metoprolol 50 mg pills per day. The pill also comes in a metoprolol 25 mg dose. These two pills allow physicians to regulate the exact amount of the drug that you need. To maintain your blood pressure you may need to take anywhere from 100 to 450 mg per day.

For those who have suffered a heart attack, this drug will be prescribed as part of the recovery. It will likely be administrated at first either via injection or intravenously. After the initial intake, pills or oral metoprolol may be provided. Those who can handle the dose well will immediately be put on two 100 mg doses per day. Others may need to start with either 25 or 50 mg every 6 hours until they can tolerate the drug better.

If a patient has suffered congestive heart failure, the dosage will start with just one metoprolol 25 mg extended release tablet per day. This will continue for two weeks and then be double to 50 mg. Two weeks later it will be doubled again to 100 mg per day. And finally, after another two weeks, the patient can begin taking the 200 mg per day dosage to maintain heart health. If the heart failure was very severe, the dosage may start at 12.5 mg for the first two weeks which will simply add an additional two weeks to the process of building up to the recommended dose.

Metoprolol overdose

To avoid an overdose, you should always take metoprolol as directed by your physician. If you miss a dose, take the next one as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. This may result in dangerously low blood pressure. If you believe you may have overdosed, seek help immediately.