Does metoprolol have side effects on babies?

Understanding Metoprolol and Its Effects on Babies
Metoprolol, a commonly prescribed beta-blocker, is primarily used to manage high blood pressure and certain heart conditions. While it is effective for adults, concerns arise regarding its safety for infants, particularly in the context of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Safety During Pregnancy
The safety of metoprolol for unborn babies remains uncertain. Current medical literature indicates that it is not definitively known whether metoprolol can harm a developing fetus. However, the implications of high blood pressure during pregnancy are significant. Conditions such as diabetes and eclampsia—characterized by dangerously high blood pressure—can pose serious risks to both the mother and the baby . Therefore, while metoprolol may be prescribed to manage maternal hypertension, the potential risks associated with untreated high blood pressure must also be considered.
Breastfeeding Considerations
For nursing mothers, metoprolol does enter breast milk, which raises concerns about its effects on breastfeeding infants. The extent to which metoprolol affects a baby through breast milk is not fully understood, but it is a factor that healthcare providers consider when prescribing this medication to breastfeeding mothers. The decision to use metoprolol while breastfeeding should involve a careful assessment of the benefits versus potential risks, with close monitoring of the infant for any adverse effects.
Potential Side Effects in Infants
While specific studies on the side effects of metoprolol in infants are limited, the general side effects of the medication in adults include fatigue, dizziness, and a decrease in heart rate. These effects could theoretically translate to infants, particularly if they are exposed to the drug through breastfeeding. However, concrete data on how metoprolol affects babies directly is sparse, making it crucial for parents and healthcare providers to remain vigilant.
Conclusion
In summary, while metoprolol is an effective treatment for managing high blood pressure and heart conditions in adults, its effects on babies—whether in utero or through breast milk—are not fully understood. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should engage in thorough discussions with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits of treatment against potential risks to their infants. As research continues to evolve, ongoing monitoring and individualized care remain essential in ensuring the safety of both mothers and their babies.

What happens if a child takes metoprolol?

If your child is diabetic, metoprolol may cause changes in the blood or urine sugar levels. Also, metoprolol may cover up signs of low blood sugar, such as changes in heart rate. Metoprolol may make the symptoms of heart failure worse in some patients.

Are beta-blockers safe for infants?

Beta blockers are commonly used in children to treat other problems including migraine, glaucoma, high blood pressure and some heart problems. Beta blockers have been used in paediatric health for more than fifty years and have an excellent safety record in young children.

How do beta blockers affect children?

Occasionally a child may develop sleep disturbance, diarrhoea or vomiting when taking oral beta blockers. If this occurs, stop the medicine and consult your doctor or nurse practitioner. Serious side effects are very rare and include low blood sugar, lowered heart rate and wheezing or worsening of asthma.

Why is metoprolol high risk?

you should know that metoprolol may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and prevent the warning signs and symptoms that would tell you that your blood sugar is low.

Is metoprolol safe in early pregnancy?

Metoprolol can be taken in pregnancy. If you are taking metoprolol for heart problems then it is likely that you will be advised to stay on it during pregnancy. Metoprolol can sometimes affect your baby’s growth and you will need to have extra growth scans (usually from 32 weeks onwards) to monitor this.

Does metoprolol have side effects on baby?

Metoprolol use in late pregnancy may cause the baby to have symptoms such as slowed heart rate and low blood sugar. Talk with your healthcare providers about your use of metoprolol so that if symptoms occur your baby can get the care that is best for them.

What is the lawsuit against metoprolol?

The Toprol XL settlement will resolve a class action lawsuit, titled In re: Metoprolol Succinate End-Payor Antitrust Litigation, accusing AstraZeneca of using patent filings and lawsuits against its competitors to stop them from selling a low-cost generic version of its prescription drug, Toprol XL.

How do beta blockers affect the baby?

With infrequent, low doses, it is likely that there will be no harm to the baby. However, we do know that there have been rare case reports of fetal abnormalities with beta blockers in pregnancy: pyloric stenosis, hip crepitus, tracheoesophageal fistulas, and heart defects.

What are the two worst blood pressure medications?

5 of the worst blood pressure medications

1. Beta blockers. Usually, beta blockers aren’t used as first-choice therapies to lower blood pressure.
2. Loop diuretics. Furosemide (Lasix) is a type of diuretic (water pill) known as a loop diuretic.
3. Alpha blockers.
4. Vasodilators.
5. Alpha-2 agonists.

What is the most serious side effect of metoprolol?

Metoprolol may worsen the symptoms of heart failure in some patients. Check with your doctor right away if you are having chest pain or discomfort, dilated neck veins, extreme fatigue, irregular breathing or heartbeat, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, trouble breathing, or weight gain.