Metolar XR 50 Mg Tablets

Description

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Metolar XR 50 Mg Tablets

Metolar XR 50 Mg Tablets contain metoprolol succinate 50 mg in an extended-release (XR) formulation. Metoprolol succinate is a cardioselective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker used in the management of hypertension, stable chronic heart failure, and angina pectoris. The extended-release design maintains therapeutic plasma levels over 24 hours, enabling once-daily dosing and improving long-term adherence.

Composition

About the Manufacturer

Metolar XR is manufactured by Cipla Limited, one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies headquartered in Mumbai. Cipla has an extensive cardiovascular portfolio and exports medicines to regulated markets in Europe, the United States, and beyond.

Mechanism of Action

Metoprolol selectively blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This reduces heart rate, myocardial contractility, and cardiac output, thereby lowering blood pressure and reducing myocardial oxygen demand. In heart failure, beta-blockade counteracts the harmful effects of chronic sympathetic activation, improving left ventricular function over time. At therapeutic doses, metoprolol succinate has minimal effect on beta-2 receptors in the bronchi and peripheral vasculature.

Indications

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Stable chronic heart failure (as adjunct to standard therapy including ACE inhibitors and diuretics)
• Angina pectoris (stable chest pain)
• Reduction of cardiovascular mortality post-myocardial infarction
• Symptomatic control of hyperthyroidism (adjunctive)

Dosage & Administration

• Swallow tablets whole; do not crush, chew, or split
• Take once daily, preferably at the same time each day; can be taken with or without food
• Hypertension: 50–100 mg once daily; maximum 200 mg daily
• Stable heart failure: Start at 12.5–25 mg once daily; titrate every 2 weeks; target 200 mg once daily if tolerated
• Angina: 100–200 mg once daily
• Never stop abruptly; taper dose over 1–2 weeks to avoid rebound hypertension or ischaemia

Special Populations

• Renal impairment: No dose adjustment generally required
• Hepatic impairment: May require dose reduction in severe hepatic disease
• Elderly: Standard dosing; monitor more frequently for bradycardia and hypotension
• Children: Limited data; use under specialist supervision
• Pregnancy: May be used when benefit outweighs risk; monitor neonates for bradycardia and hypoglycaemia

Precautions

• Monitor heart rate and blood pressure regularly during dose titration
• Use with caution in patients with reactive airways disease (asthma, COPD) — although cardioselective, some beta-2 blockade may occur at higher doses
• Avoid abrupt withdrawal, particularly in patients with ischaemic heart disease (risk of rebound angina and MI)
• May mask symptoms of hypoglycaemia (tachycardia) in diabetic patients; use with care in insulin-dependent diabetes
• Use with caution in peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Patients with psoriasis: beta-blockers may exacerbate psoriasis

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to metoprolol, other beta-blockers, or any excipient
• Cardiogenic shock, decompensated heart failure requiring IV inotropes
• Sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree AV block (without pacemaker)
• Symptomatic bradycardia (heart rate <45–50 bpm)
• Severe hypotension
• Severe peripheral arterial disease
• Phaeochromocytoma (unless given with alpha-blocker)

Side Effects

• Very common: Fatigue, bradycardia
• Common: Dizziness, headache, cold extremities, dyspnoea on exertion, nausea, diarrhoea
• Less common: Depression, nightmares, impotence, Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Rare: Bronchospasm, heart block, hypoglycaemia in diabetics, dry eyes

Drug Interactions

• Calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem): Combined use may cause severe bradycardia or AV block; avoid intravenous combination
• Antiarrhythmics (amiodarone, digoxin): Additive risk of bradycardia and AV block
• Antihypertensives and diuretics: Additive blood-pressure-lowering effect
• Insulin and oral hypoglycaemics: Beta-blockers may mask tachycardia of hypoglycaemia; monitor closely
• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, indomethacin): May attenuate antihypertensive effect
• MAOIs: Risk of severe hypertension; avoid concurrent use

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.

Related Products

• Metolar XR 25 Mg Tablets – lower-strength metoprolol succinate for titration
• Cardivas 25 Mg Tablets – carvedilol for heart failure and hypertension
• Corbis 5 Mg Tablets – bisoprolol for hypertension and heart failure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Metolar XR 50 Mg used for?

Metolar XR 50 Mg is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), stable chronic heart failure, and angina pectoris (chest pain due to coronary artery disease). It helps the heart beat more slowly and efficiently, reducing blood pressure and the workload on the heart.

What does XR mean in Metolar XR?

XR stands for Extended Release. The tablet releases metoprolol gradually over 24 hours, providing stable blood levels and allowing convenient once-daily dosing. The tablet should be swallowed whole and must not be crushed, chewed, or split.

Can I take Metolar XR if I have asthma?

Metoprolol is cardioselective but can still cause mild bronchospasm at higher doses. It is generally avoided in patients with active asthma and used with caution in those with COPD. Discuss your respiratory history with your doctor before starting treatment.

What happens if I miss a dose of Metolar XR?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, in which case skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Never double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Is it safe to stop Metolar XR suddenly?

No. Stopping Metolar XR abruptly can cause rebound hypertension, angina, or in rare cases, a heart attack, particularly in people with coronary artery disease. Always taper the dose under medical supervision over 1–2 weeks.

References

1. NHS – Metoprolol
2. MedlinePlus – Metoprolol
3. FDA – Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release Prescribing Information
4. EMA – Metoprolol-Containing Medicinal Products Assessment

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Metolar XR 50 Mg Tablets should only be prescribed and adjusted by a qualified healthcare professional. Never stop beta-blocker treatment without medical guidance.

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