Aa
PVC Frequency
My 20 year old daughter recently had her wisdom teeth extracted when the oral surgeon said that her heart rhythm was abnormal during the first 10 minutes and last 10 minutes of this procedure. He called it a rhythm of bigeminy. She had an eco cardiogram done the next day and her heart looks perfectly healthy. She wore a 24 hour heart monitor and our general practioner said it reported over 800 pvcs in that 24 hour period. He prescribed metoprolol tartr 25 mg 2x a day and scheduled her to see a cardiologist next week. I have a few questions... 1) Is this perscription necessary before she is seen by a cardioloigist (I understand it is used to decrease the number of pvc's) 2). What would be considered a dangerouse number of pvc's over a 24 hour period? 3). What are the side effections of this medication and/or going off this medication?
Side note: As a young child and throughout her life 'occaionally' she has said her heart felt as though it were beating stronger than normal. She has also had a couple of incidents where she has "as she describes it" someone slowing turning the lights off and she would briefly pass out. She has always been petite, 5'4" 102 lbs. I'm trying not to stay calm but I'd like to know the severity of this problem.
Thank you for your help.
Side note: As a young child and throughout her life 'occaionally' she has said her heart felt as though it were beating stronger than normal. She has also had a couple of incidents where she has "as she describes it" someone slowing turning the lights off and she would briefly pass out. She has always been petite, 5'4" 102 lbs. I'm trying not to stay calm but I'd like to know the severity of this problem.
Thank you for your help.
carolandtom; one of the questions to ask also is where they are orginating; as this is almost as important as how many and the pattern - trigeminy; bigeminy etc
while 800 pvc's in a 24 hour period may be alarming to you, there are many of us who live and cope with 20,000 - 50,000 pvc's daily; the problem with increasing pvc's is the possibility of developing cardiomyopathy from them - having said that; some of have developed CM and most have recovered or reversed it with medications and/or surgeries
medication prescribed by a doctor shouldn't be stopped unless under the direct care of a doctor just to be safe; check with the cardiologist and since the Echo says her heart looks perfect it my just be something enviromental or chemical like electrolytes causing the pvc's; which she needs to have some blood tests just to check those levels
if she's also had "blackouts" I would recommend you/her metion to the cardiologist a tilt table test TTT or HuTT to rule out certain things
my oldest daughter is almost 24 now and when she was young she would have episodes of blackouts/fainting and I remember the dr saying it was nothing - I've fainted since I was 9 and just found out at 42 that I had something wrong with me; so it's always good to rule out everything to be safe =)
while 800 pvc's in a 24 hour period may be alarming to you, there are many of us who live and cope with 20,000 - 50,000 pvc's daily; the problem with increasing pvc's is the possibility of developing cardiomyopathy from them - having said that; some of have developed CM and most have recovered or reversed it with medications and/or surgeries
medication prescribed by a doctor shouldn't be stopped unless under the direct care of a doctor just to be safe; check with the cardiologist and since the Echo says her heart looks perfect it my just be something enviromental or chemical like electrolytes causing the pvc's; which she needs to have some blood tests just to check those levels
if she's also had "blackouts" I would recommend you/her metion to the cardiologist a tilt table test TTT or HuTT to rule out certain things
my oldest daughter is almost 24 now and when she was young she would have episodes of blackouts/fainting and I remember the dr saying it was nothing - I've fainted since I was 9 and just found out at 42 that I had something wrong with me; so it's always good to rule out everything to be safe =)
That information came from medscape.com. Education on the medication, hope it helps.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
If you have diabetes, this medication may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of a low blood sugar level such as dizziness or sweating are unaffected by this drug.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks (e.g., low birth weight) and benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.
To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove metoprolol from your body (such as amiodarone, barbiturates including phenobarbital, certain antidepressants including bupropion/fluoxetine/paroxetine, cimetidine, propafenone, quinidine, rifampin, ritonavir, St. John's wort).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as indomethacin, ibuprofen) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include unusually slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, slow or shallow breathing, weakness, or fainting.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
Have your blood pressure and pulse checked regularly while taking this medication. It may be best to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure and pulse. Discuss this with your doctor.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but not if it is within 4 hours of the next dose. If it is within 4 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised March 2010 Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
If you have diabetes, this medication may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of a low blood sugar level such as dizziness or sweating are unaffected by this drug.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks (e.g., low birth weight) and benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.
To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove metoprolol from your body (such as amiodarone, barbiturates including phenobarbital, certain antidepressants including bupropion/fluoxetine/paroxetine, cimetidine, propafenone, quinidine, rifampin, ritonavir, St. John's wort).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as indomethacin, ibuprofen) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include unusually slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, slow or shallow breathing, weakness, or fainting.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
Have your blood pressure and pulse checked regularly while taking this medication. It may be best to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure and pulse. Discuss this with your doctor.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but not if it is within 4 hours of the next dose. If it is within 4 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised March 2010 Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
USES:
This medication is a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure. It is also used after an acute heart attack to improve survival. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
This drug works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body such as epinephrine on the heart and blood vessels. This results in a lowering of the heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
OTHER USES:
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used for irregular heartbeats, heart failure, migraine headache prevention, tremors and other conditions as determined by your doctor.
HOW TO USE:
Take this medication by mouth, with or right after a meal, as directed by your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
This drug is not effective if you use it only when chest pain or a migraine headache occurs. It is very important to take this medication regularly as prescribed to help prevent these conditions.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It may take one or two weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Refer to the Warning section.
SIDE EFFECTS:
You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, tiredness, diarrhea, vomiting, unusual dreams, trouble sleeping, or vision problems as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
This drug may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: symptoms of a very slow heartbeat (e.g., persistent dizziness, fainting, unusual fatigue), bluish discoloration of the fingers and toes, numbness/tingling/swelling of the hands or feet, decreased sexual ability, reversible hair loss, mental/mood changes, trouble breathing, cough, unexplained or sudden weight gain, increased thirst, increased urination.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or fever, yellowing skin or eyes, stomach pain, dark urine, persistent nausea.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking metoprolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain types of irregular heartbeats (e.g., sinus bradycardia, second or third degree atrioventricular block, sick-sinus syndrome), cardiogenic shock, severe heart failure (overt or decompensated type).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart failure (treated, compensated type), breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease), diabetes, overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), liver disease, blood circulation problems (e.g., Raynaud's disease), skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis), serious allergic reactions including those needing treatment with epinephrine, mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression), certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), a certain type of tumor (pheochromocytoma).
This medication is a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure. It is also used after an acute heart attack to improve survival. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
This drug works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body such as epinephrine on the heart and blood vessels. This results in a lowering of the heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
OTHER USES:
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used for irregular heartbeats, heart failure, migraine headache prevention, tremors and other conditions as determined by your doctor.
HOW TO USE:
Take this medication by mouth, with or right after a meal, as directed by your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
This drug is not effective if you use it only when chest pain or a migraine headache occurs. It is very important to take this medication regularly as prescribed to help prevent these conditions.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It may take one or two weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Refer to the Warning section.
SIDE EFFECTS:
You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, tiredness, diarrhea, vomiting, unusual dreams, trouble sleeping, or vision problems as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
This drug may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: symptoms of a very slow heartbeat (e.g., persistent dizziness, fainting, unusual fatigue), bluish discoloration of the fingers and toes, numbness/tingling/swelling of the hands or feet, decreased sexual ability, reversible hair loss, mental/mood changes, trouble breathing, cough, unexplained or sudden weight gain, increased thirst, increased urination.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or fever, yellowing skin or eyes, stomach pain, dark urine, persistent nausea.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking metoprolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain types of irregular heartbeats (e.g., sinus bradycardia, second or third degree atrioventricular block, sick-sinus syndrome), cardiogenic shock, severe heart failure (overt or decompensated type).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart failure (treated, compensated type), breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease), diabetes, overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), liver disease, blood circulation problems (e.g., Raynaud's disease), skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis), serious allergic reactions including those needing treatment with epinephrine, mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression), certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), a certain type of tumor (pheochromocytoma).
Patient Education
METOPROLOL - ORAL
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
METOPROLOL - ORAL
(met-oh-PRO-lol)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lopressor
WARNING: If you have chest pain (angina) or have heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure), do not stop using this drug without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this drug, you must gradually decrease your dose according to your doctor's instructions.
When gradually stopping this medication, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease the work on the heart. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: worsening chest pain, tightness or pressure in the chest, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, sweating, trouble breathing or fast/irregular heartbeat.
METOPROLOL - ORAL
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
METOPROLOL - ORAL
(met-oh-PRO-lol)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lopressor
WARNING: If you have chest pain (angina) or have heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure), do not stop using this drug without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this drug, you must gradually decrease your dose according to your doctor's instructions.
When gradually stopping this medication, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease the work on the heart. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: worsening chest pain, tightness or pressure in the chest, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, sweating, trouble breathing or fast/irregular heartbeat.
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