Betaloc Injection (Metoprolol Tartrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Betaloc Injection Used For?
Betaloc Injection contains metoprolol tartrate, which belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. It is specifically designed to treat heart rhythm problems.
Primary Uses
Betaloc Injection 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 heart diseases, an overactive thyroid gland, chemical imbalances, or may develop after a heart attack.
How It Works
Betaloc Injection helps to restore your heartbeat to a more normal rate, particularly if it is beating very fast.
How to Take Betaloc Injection
Betaloc Injection is given as a slow injection into a vein and must only be administered by a doctor or nurse in a medical setting.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will decide what dose and for how long you will receive Betaloc Injection based on your condition and other factors, such as your weight. To begin treatment, up to 5 mg of Betaloc Injection is given at a rate of 1 to 2mg 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 the treatment.
Important: This medication must only be given by a doctor or nurse – it is not for self-administration.
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 colour or texture where injection was given
- swelling or pain in a vein
- headache, tiredness, drowsiness
- aches and pains, painful joints
- nausea (feeling sick), vomiting
- weakness, lack of energy
- stomach upset, diarrhoea or constipation
- dry mouth, changes in taste sensation
- 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 Betaloc Injection should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Betaloc Injection
Do not use if you are allergic to metoprolol tartrate or any ingredients, have asthma, wheezing, difficulty breathing or other lung problems (past or present), 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 untreated phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland), have a severe blood vessel disorder causing poor circulation in arms and legs, or are receiving emergency treatment for shock or severely low blood pressure.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with 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 take any medicines for any other condition.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Like most beta-blocker medicines, Betaloc Injection is not recommended for use during pregnancy. The active ingredient passes into breast milk and therefore there is a possibility that the breast-fed baby may be affected. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Children: Do not give Betaloc Injection to children. The safety and effectiveness in children has not been established.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Betaloc Injection and affect how it works. You may need different amounts of your medicine or different medicines entirely.
- 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 (indomethacin, ibuprofen)
- warfarin (blood thinner)
- digoxin (heart failure medicine)
- diabetes medicines
- cimetidine (stomach ulcer medicine)
- rifampicin (antibiotic)
- depression medicines
- monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Alcohol & Driving
Betaloc Injection may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, and alcohol consumption should be discussed with your doctor.
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 Betaloc Injection affects you.
Storage
Betaloc Injection will be stored in the pharmacy or in the ward. The injection is kept in a cool dry place, protected from light, where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Overdose Information
The doctor giving you Betaloc Injection will be experienced in its use, so it is unlikely that you will be given an overdose. However, if you are accidentally given an overdose, you may have nausea, vomiting, convulsions, extreme slowing of the heart beat, lowered blood pressure, possible heart failure and breathing difficulties. In extreme cases, your skin may turn blue, and you may get shock, unconsciousness or coma. If you believe you have been given too much, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Betaloc Injection begins working quickly as it’s given directly into a vein. The dose may be repeated at 5-minute intervals until a satisfactory effect is achieved on your heart rhythm.
There is no information in the medication guide suggesting that Betaloc Injection is addictive. It is a beta-blocker used to treat heart rhythm problems.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as this may affect your treatment with Betaloc Injection.
If you are over 65 years of age, you may have an increased chance of getting side effects from Betaloc Injection. Your doctor will monitor you carefully.
You should remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Betaloc Injection, as it may interact with other treatments.
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Betaloc Injection affects you, as it may cause dizziness or other side effects.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, hives, or feeling faint. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
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.