Generic Intermediate Dosage Cardiovascular Drug Launched

Mylan has launched new dosage strengths of the generic version of Novartis' Lopressor.

The newly launched metoprolol tartrate tablets come in 37.5 mg and 75 mg doses.

The manufacturer maintains that its hypertension tablets are the first intermediate dosage strengths for the medication. Doses of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg are already available.

Metoprolol tartrate tablets in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg doses had US sales of around $68 million, according to IMS Health.

The tablets are contraindicated for patients with cardiogenic shock, overt cardiac failure, severe peripheral arterial circulatory disorders, and certain cardiac conduction problems like bradycardia, second- and third-degree heart block, and sick-sinus syndrome.

Pharmacists can inform patients that metoprolol should be slowly reduced, since exacerbations of angina and myocardial infarctions have occurred when patients stopped the treatment abruptly.

Patients should talk to their health care providers if they have other questions about starting or stopping metoprolol.

Some adverse effects observed in clinical trials include tiredness, dizziness, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, and rash.