Metoprolol IV Viatris (Metoprolol Tartrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Metoprolol IV Viatris Used For?
Metoprolol IV Viatris contains metoprolol tartrate and belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. It is specifically designed to treat heart rhythm problems.
Primary Uses
This medication is used to treat irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, which means there is a disturbance of the heart’s normal rhythm or beat. Arrhythmias may be caused by numerous factors, including some heart diseases, an overactive thyroid gland, chemical imbalances, or may develop after a heart attack.
How It Works
Metoprolol tartrate helps to restore your heartbeat to a more normal rate, particularly if it is beating very fast.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive.
How to Take Metoprolol IV Viatris
Metoprolol IV Viatris is given as a slow injection into a vein and must only be administered by a doctor or nurse in a hospital setting.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will decide what dose and for how long you will receive Metoprolol IV Viatris based on your condition and other factors, such as your weight. To begin treatment, up to 5 mg is given at a rate of 1 to 2 mg per minute. This dose may be repeated at 5-minute intervals until a satisfactory effect is achieved. Your blood pressure and heart will be monitored during treatment.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since this medication is given by healthcare professionals in a hospital setting, missed doses are not applicable.
Important: This medication must only be given by a doctor or nurse – it cannot be self-administered.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Swelling, burning sensation, changes in skin color where injection was given
- Swelling or pain in a vein
- Headache, tiredness, drowsiness
- Aches and pains, painful joints
- Nausea, vomiting
- Weakness, lack of energy
- Stomach upset, diarrhea or constipation
- Dry mouth, changes in taste
- Difficulty sleeping, nightmares
- Mood changes
- Confusion, short-term memory loss, inability to concentrate
- Increased sweating, runny or blocked nose
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Shortness of breath, being less able to exercise
- Swelling of the ankles, feet or legs
- Chest tightness, wheezing, noisy breathing, difficulty breathing
- Chest pain, changes in heart rate or palpitations
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), generally feeling unwell
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting especially on standing up
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Coldness, burning, numbness or pain in the arms and/or legs
- Skin rash or worsening of psoriasis
- Symptoms of sunburn happening more quickly than before
- Abnormal thinking or hallucinations
- Buzzing or ringing in the ears, deafness
- Irritated eyes or blurred vision
- Sexual problems
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Constant flu-like symptoms with tiredness or lack of energy
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Metoprolol IV Viatris should not be used, and others where special caution is needed.
Who Should Not Take Metoprolol IV Viatris
Do not use if you: are allergic to metoprolol tartrate, any other beta-blocker medicine, or any ingredients; have asthma, wheezing, difficulty breathing or other lung problems; have a history of allergic problems, including hayfever; have low blood pressure; have a very slow heartbeat (less than 45-50 beats/minute); have certain other heart conditions; have phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland) which is not being treated; have a severe blood vessel disorder causing poor circulation in the arms and legs; or are receiving emergency treatment for shock or severely low blood pressure.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: asthma, wheezing, difficulty breathing or other lung problems; diabetes; an overactive thyroid gland; liver problems; kidney problems; certain types of angina; any other heart problems; phaeochromocytoma; any blood vessel disorders causing poor circulation in the arms and legs; or allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Like most beta-blocker medicines, Metoprolol IV Viatris is not recommended for use during pregnancy. The active ingredient passes into breast milk and there is a possibility that your baby may be affected, so discuss with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Children: Do not give this medicine to children. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Metoprolol IV Viatris and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare team about all medications you are taking.
- Other beta-blocker medicines, including beta-blocker eye drops
- Calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem)
- Blood pressure medicines (clonidine, hydralazine, prazosin)
- Heart rhythm medicines (amiodarone, disopyramide, quinidine)
- Anti-inflammatory medicines (indometacin, ibuprofen)
- Warfarin (blood thinner)
- Digoxin (heart failure medicine)
- Diabetes medicines
- Cimetidine (stomach ulcer medicine)
- Rifampicin (antibiotic)
- Depression medicines
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities that require alertness and discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare team.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Metoprolol IV Viatris affects you.
Storage
Metoprolol IV Viatris will be stored in the hospital pharmacy or on the ward in a cool, dry place, protected from light, where the temperature stays below 25°C. If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
The doctor or nurse giving you Metoprolol IV Viatris will be experienced in its use, so it is unlikely that you will be given an overdose. However, if you are accidentally given too much, you may experience nausea, vomiting, convulsions, an extreme slowing of the heartbeat, lowered blood pressure, possible heart failure and breathing difficulties. In extreme cases, your skin may turn blue, and you may go into shock, unconsciousness or coma. If you believe you have been given too much, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Metoprolol IV Viatris is given as a slow injection at a rate of 1 to 2 mg per minute, and doses may be repeated at 5-minute intervals until a satisfactory effect is achieved. Your doctor will monitor your heart and blood pressure during treatment.
No, this medicine is not addictive.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as this may affect how the medication works for you.
If you are over 65 years of age, you may have an increased chance of getting side effects, so your doctor will monitor you carefully.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Metoprolol IV Viatris, as it may interact with other treatments.
Like most beta-blocker medicines, Metoprolol IV Viatris is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not receive this medication if you have asthma or breathing problems, very slow heartbeat (less than 45-50 beats/minute), low blood pressure, certain heart conditions, or if you’re allergic to metoprolol or other beta-blockers.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.