Generic Betaloc® (Metoprolol Tartrate)
Compared with: Blackmores Conceive Well Gold 28 Tablets + 28 Capsules
Betaloc (Metoprolol Tartrate) 50 mg and 100 mg immediate‑release tablets is a β₁‑selective adrenergic blocker indicated for hypertension, angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction prophylaxis. By reducing heart rate and myocardial contractility, Betaloc lowers cardiac workload and oxygen demand, improving cardiovascular outcomes.
Metoprolol Tartrate – 50 mg and 100 mg per tablet
Metoprolol IR (immediate‑release)

Lopresor® (alternate brand)

Toprol® (succinate extended‑release formulation)
Metoprolol selectively antagonises β₁‑adrenergic receptors in the heart, leading to:

Decreased heart rate (negative chronotropy)

Reduced contractility (negative inotropy)

Lowered cardiac output and oxygen consumption

Inhibition of renin release from juxtaglomerular cells, reducing angiotensin II–mediated vasoconstriction

This combination of effects lowers blood pressure, controls angina, and improves survival post‑MI.
Hypertension: As monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensives

Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris: Prevention of anginal attacks

Acute Myocardial Infarction: Early IV use followed by oral therapy to reduce mortality

Supraventricular Tachyarrhythmias: Rate control in conditions such as atrial fibrillation
Indication Initial Dose Titration Maintenance Dose
Hypertension 50 mg twice daily Increase by 50 mg increments every 1–2 weeks 100–200 mg/day in divided doses
Chronic Angina 50 mg twice daily Based on symptom control 100–200 mg/day
Post‑MI (oral) 25 mg twice daily after stabilization Increase to 50 mg twice daily 100 mg/day in divided doses
Supraventricular Tachycardia 25–100 mg bolus for acute control (IV) Oral dosing as per hypertension

Administration: Swallow tablets with water; may be taken with food to enhance absorption.

Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered; if close to next dose, skip—do not double.
Formulation: Film‑coated immediate‑release tablets

Strengths: 50 mg, 100 mg

Route: Oral; intravenous formulation available in hospital settings

Legal Status: Prescription Only Medicine
Pregnancy: Category C – Use only if benefits justify potential risk; monitor fetal growth.

Breastfeeding: Excreted in breast milk; infant bradycardia and hypoglycemia possible—monitor closely.

Pediatric Use: Limited data; use under specialist supervision for tachyarrhythmias.

Elderly: Increased sensitivity; initiate at lower end of dosing range and titrate cautiously.
Bradycardia, fatigue, dizziness

Cold extremities (peripheral vasoconstriction)

Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea)
Heart block or severe bradycardia

Hypotension leading to syncope

Worsening heart failure

Depression

Masked hypoglycemia in diabetics
Abrupt Withdrawal: Taper over 1–2 weeks to avoid rebound hypertension, angina, or arrhythmias.

Asthma / COPD: Use with caution; although β₁‑selective, high doses may affect β₂‑receptors.

Heart Failure: Initiate and titrate under close supervision in decompensated heart failure.

Diabetes: Masked tachycardia; monitor glucose and educate patients on hypoglycemia symptoms.
Therapeutic Class: Antihypertensive, Anti‑anginal

Pharmacologic Class: β₁‑Selective Adrenergic Blocker

Legal Category: Prescription Only
Calcium Channel Blockers (verapamil, diltiazem): Additive negative chronotropy—risk of bradycardia and heart block.

Digoxin: Synergistic bradycardia—monitor heart rate.

Clonidine: Abrupt withdrawal of either may precipitate rebound hypertension—taper together.

NSAIDs: May reduce antihypertensive efficacy.

CYP2D6 Inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine): Increase metoprolol levels—monitor for excessive bradycardia.
The MERIT‑HF trial demonstrated that metoprolol succinate reduced all‑cause mortality by 34 % in systolic heart failure (β₁‐selective blockade) .

Meta‑analysis confirms metoprolol’s efficacy in reducing cardiovascular mortality post‑MI by ~23 % when initiated early and continued long term .

FAQs – Generic Betaloc (Metoprolol Tartrate)
Q1. How quickly does Betaloc lower blood pressure?
A: Onset within 1 hour; peak effect at 1–2 hours; full antihypertensive effect may take 1–2 weeks.

Q2. Can I take it with food?
A: Yes; food enhances absorption and reduces GI discomfort.

Q3. What if I miss a dose?
A: Take as soon as possible unless it’s within 4 hours of the next dose—do not double.

Q4. Can Betaloc help with chest pain?
A: Yes. By reducing myocardial oxygen demand, it prevents angina attacks when dosed regularly.

Q5. Is Betaloc safe for asthmatics?
A: Use with caution. β₁‑selectivity minimizes but does not eliminate bronchospasm risk—monitor lung function.

Q6. Do I need to taper off?
A: Yes. Gradually reduce dose over 1–2 weeks to avoid rebound cardiovascular events.

Q7. Can I drive after taking Betaloc?
A: Most patients can. If experiencing dizziness or fatigue, avoid driving until tolerated.
Betaloc, Metoprolol Tartrate, β₁‑Blocker, Hypertension Medication, Angina Prevention, Post‑MI Therapy, EZ Chemist, Immediate‑Release Metoprolol, Cardiovascular Care