Metoprolol dose for hypertension
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Metoprolol Dose for Hypertension: An Overview
Introduction to Metoprolol for Hypertension
Metoprolol, a selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker, is widely used in the management of hypertension. It works by reducing heart rate, cardiac output, and the release of renin from the kidneys, thereby lowering blood pressure. This article synthesizes research findings on the effective dosing of metoprolol for hypertension.
Effective Dosing Regimens
Twice-Daily vs. Once-Daily Administration
Research comparing once-daily and twice-daily administration of metoprolol has shown that both regimens are effective in controlling blood pressure. A study involving 100 hypertensive patients found no significant difference in the reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure between once-daily controlled-release (CR) metoprolol and twice-daily conventional metoprolol tablets . Another study confirmed that both dosing schedules significantly reduced blood pressure and heart rate, with no significant difference in efficacy between the two regimens .
Dose-Response Relationship
The dose-response characteristics of metoprolol indicate that doses above 200 mg/day do not significantly enhance the antihypertensive effect. In a study with 34 hypertensive patients, incremental doses between 100 and 600 mg/day resulted in a relatively flat dose-response curve above 200 mg/day . This suggests that increasing the dose beyond 200 mg/day may not provide additional benefits in blood pressure reduction.
Plasma Levels and Blood Pressure Reduction
The relationship between plasma levels of metoprolol and its antihypertensive effects has been studied extensively. One study found that the mean decrease in blood pressure was significant at doses of 25 mg three times daily and 100 mg three times daily, with a notable reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure . However, another study indicated that the antihypertensive effects and side effects did not correlate with plasma metoprolol concentrations .
Special Populations: Children and Adolescents
Extended-release metoprolol succinate has been evaluated for its efficacy and safety in children aged 6 to 16 years with hypertension. The study demonstrated significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure at doses of 1.0 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg, with no serious adverse events reported . This indicates that metoprolol is a viable option for managing hypertension in pediatric populations.
Conclusion
Metoprolol is an effective and well-tolerated option for managing hypertension. Both once-daily and twice-daily dosing regimens are effective, with no significant difference in their ability to reduce blood pressure. Doses above 200 mg/day do not appear to provide additional benefits, and the drug is also effective in pediatric populations. These findings support the use of metoprolol as a flexible and reliable treatment for hypertension.
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