Know Your Drugs: Metoprolol
Metoprolol is one of our new drugs that we have been given and several of us has already called the ER to ask to administer it. But why would we want to give a Beta Blocker to AMI?
I have had an opportunity to give Metoprolol but was denied the order.Although I was upset when I was denied the order I was kind of glad-
I was glad because the only reason I was giving it was because the protocol says to give it.I like to know what the medical reason is that I am giving any drug.
Well - here is the short version of the reasons we are carrying and giving this drug:
- Beta blocking agents, such as Metoprolol given during an AMI decrease the amount of muscle damage to the heart, and reduce the risk of future heart attacks.
- Reduce mortality approximately 25-65%.
- Reduces infarct size, cardiac rupture, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden death.
- Survival is improved by reductions in heart rate, blood pressure, and contractile force.
Most of this information came from the MIAMI (Metoprolol in acute myocardial infarction) study
Here are some Contraindications:
- HR less than 45
- Systolic Bp less than 100
- CHF
- 1st degree heart block with a PR interval greater than 0.24
- 2nd degree block or 3rd degree block
Note: These contraindications are from the study - not our protocol, so know your protocol.
Protocol Review
Before taking the test review the protocol that includes Metoprolol and the medication page.