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Ask a Pharmacist (Expert Forum)
Beta Blocker differences
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Beta Blocker differences
by grannyheart, Feb 04, 2009 02:17PM
After my heart attack and surgery I was put on lopressor and amiodarone for heart irregularities. Because of the bad side effects of amiodarone I was taken off of that and also my beta blocker got changed. My beta blocker was changed to metoprolol tartate ..25mg twice a day. It didn't take long before I noticed that I was having pvc's again (hadn't had while on lopressor and amiodarone) and it has progressed to where it is noticeable every day ......all day long. Mentioned to my cardiologist who said I should just get used to it.
My question is.............could my generic metoprolol be the reason my pvc's are bad or is it because i'm no longer on amiodarone? My husband also has irregular heart rate and this week we got him switched back from generic metoprolol succinate to toprol XL and lo and behold he is back in good heart rhythm. That got me thinking if indeed my problem could be similiar.......one thing that has really upset me is that after my heart attack my EF was at 42% and it has dropped to 30% and again wonder if I need to be on diferent drugs. My dr thinks that isn't the answer but I'm not sure......
Any thoughts?
My question is.............could my generic metoprolol be the reason my pvc's are bad or is it because i'm no longer on amiodarone? My husband also has irregular heart rate and this week we got him switched back from generic metoprolol succinate to toprol XL and lo and behold he is back in good heart rhythm. That got me thinking if indeed my problem could be similiar.......one thing that has really upset me is that after my heart attack my EF was at 42% and it has dropped to 30% and again wonder if I need to be on diferent drugs. My dr thinks that isn't the answer but I'm not sure......
Any thoughts?
Age
:
73
Sex
:
Female
Weight
:
135
Current Medications
:
hyzaar 100-25
metoprolol 25 twice day
zetia
allipiurinol 100
metoprolol 25 twice day
zetia
allipiurinol 100
Medical Conditions
:
Heart attack 2007
valve replacement 2007
CHF diagnosed 2007 30% EF
valve replacement 2007
CHF diagnosed 2007 30% EF
Doctor's Answer
by Sandra Y, RPh, Feb 05, 2009 09:41AM
, Feb 05, 2009 09:41AM
Metoprolol can be used to improve ejection fraction. Other medications such as digoxin or ACE inhibitors (Lisinopril, Enalapril, etc) are also commonly used. It's best to discuss the specifics for your condition with your cardiologist to determine if there's a better medication for you.
Thanks though for your answer and yes will discuss (once again) with my cardio doctor.........
Generic drugs are cheaper because the manufacturers have not had the expenses of developing and marketing a new drug. Without the high costs to bring a new drug to market, other companies can afford to make and sell it for a lower price.