Metomac 50

Composition of Metomac 50

Metomac 50 contains Hydrochlorothiazide + Metoprolol succinate. It belongs to the Water tablet and Beta blocker class of medicines.

Uses of Metomac 50

• This medicine is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
• heart failure
• fluid retention
• angina and irregular heartbeat.

Key benefits

• Relieves swelling and breathlessness caused by fluid
• Long-established blood pressure treatment
• Inexpensive and once daily
• Reduces the risk of a further heart attack
• Controls rapid and irregular heart rhythms
• Improves survival in heart failure

How Metomac 50 works

This medicine combines 2 active ingredients: Hydrochlorothiazide and Metoprolol Succinate. Hydrochlorothiazide helps your kidneys remove surplus salt and water, which reduces swelling and lowers blood pressure. Metoprolol Succinate slows the heart and reduces the force of each beat by blocking the effect of adrenaline, so the heart works less hard and uses less oxygen.

How to take Metomac 50

Use this medicine as your doctor has directed. Follow the dose and the duration written on your prescription.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause severe dehydration, a sharp fall in blood pressure and dangerous salt imbalances. It can cause a dangerously slow heartbeat, a severe fall in blood pressure, wheezing and fits. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Metomac 50

Most side effects of Metomac are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Passing urine more often
• Dizziness on standing up
• Low potassium or sodium
• Muscle cramps
• Raised uric acid
• Thirst
• Tiredness
• Cold hands and feet
• Slow pulse
• Dizziness
• Disturbed sleep
• Breathlessness

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Metomac 50

Warnings and precautions

Take it in the morning so that passing urine does not disturb your sleep. Your doctor will check your salts and kidney function with blood tests — do not skip them. Report muscle cramps, marked weakness, confusion or an irregular heartbeat; these can be signs your potassium or sodium has fallen. In hot weather or during an illness with vomiting or loose motions, tell your doctor — you may become dehydrated quickly. Never stop this medicine suddenly. Stopping abruptly can cause a sharp rise in blood pressure, worsening chest pain or a heart attack — your doctor will reduce it gradually. Tell your doctor if you have asthma or long-standing lung disease; this group can tighten the airways. If you have diabetes, be aware that this medicine can mask the early warning signs of low blood sugar, apart from sweating. Report a resting pulse that is persistently very slow, or fainting.

Do not take Metomac if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for people who are unable to pass urine, or who are severely dehydrated. Not for people with a very slow heart rate, certain heart block disorders, or uncontrolled heart failure. Generally avoided in severe asthma.

Interactions with other medicines

Anti-inflammatory painkillers blunt the effect and can strain the kidneys. Lithium and digoxin levels are affected; tell your doctor if you take either. Potassium-sparing types must not be combined with potassium supplements without supervision. Combining with verapamil or diltiazem can slow the heart dangerously. Tell your doctor about diabetes medicines and about any asthma inhaler.

How to store Metomac 50

Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Metomac 50

Weigh yourself at the same time each day if you have heart failure, and report a rapid gain. Do not add extra salt, and ask before using a potassium-based salt substitute. Take it at the same time each day and do not miss doses. Learn to check your own pulse, and report a persistently slow one.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD

Therapeutic class:

Diuretic and Anti-hypertensive

Drug class:

Water tablet and Beta blocker