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What is Minax®?

A. Garrett
A. Garrett

Minax®, or metoprolol tartrate, is a beta-blocker used to alleviate chest pain, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Patients taking this drug must adhere to a regimented dosing schedule. The dosage prescribed is contingent on the underlying condition the drug is treating. Some people may have an adverse reaction and cCertain pre-existing allergies or medical conditions may preclude an individual from using this medicine.

Beta-blockers like Minax® alter the way the body responds to nerve signals around the heart and expands blood vessels in the body. Consequently, the heart will beat at an unvarying rate and chest pain will subside. As a blood pressure treatment, by expanding blood vessels and bring the heart rate to normal levels, this drug causes blood pressure to decrease.

Minax may be prescribed to reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Minax may be prescribed to reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Doctors prescribe varying amounts of Minax®. Patients taking the drug to reduce hypertension are usually prescribed 50 or 100 milligram doses that are taken once or twice a day depending on the patient’s level of physical activity and blood pressure levels. People using the medication for chest pain relief take between 50 and 100 milligrams two or three times a day. For patients at risk for suffering a heart attack or stroke, doctors may recommend 100 milligrams twice a day.

Minax® is used to lower blood pressure.
Minax® is used to lower blood pressure.

The drug is most effective if it is taken at regular intervals. Patients who have missed a dose are discouraged from doubling up and taking two. People who have overdosed will feel lightheaded and may experience a decreased heart rate. If this happens, medical care should be sought immediately.

Not intended to provide instant relief, Minax® works over time. Patients using this drug as directed should see results within a month. The patient should continue taking the medication until a doctor advises otherwise. Discontinuing use suddenly could have adverse effects on the body and result in a return of hypertension or chest pains.

People who have a history of hypotension should not take Minax.
People who have a history of hypotension should not take Minax.

Minax® works with the heart and blood vessels — two factors essential to respiration. Consequently, people with a history of asthma, chronic bronchitis, or heart disease should not use this drug. Also, patients who have historically slow heart rates or low blood pressure should not take this medication because it may slow the heart rate down to dangerous levels. People who have allergies should also proceed with caution when taking Minax®. This drug may cause a rash, swelling of the face, and wheezing in those allergic to key ingredients found in the medicine.

Discussion Comments

anon996748

I am on a low dose of minax in the morning and a high dose at night. I don't find I have any more dreams then before or hair loss. I have been on this for about two years.

bear78

@donasmrs-- I don't think it was recalled.

I'm on it right now, I have been for two years. It works well for me. It's treating my tachycardia.

donasmrs

@SarahGen-- You're on Minax?

I thought this medication was recalled several years back, is it back out?

I was on it for about a year for high blood pressure when my pharmacy told me it was recalled and my doctor switched me to a different medication. I was happy about the switch because I had started experiencing hair loss with Minax. When I stopped, my hair went back to normal.

I don't know if that was the reason for the recall, but I think that was one of the major problems that people were experiencing with this medication.

SarahGen
Does Minax medication have side effects in the longer term?

I'm on it because I had a heart valve surgery. My doctor said that I will be on it until my condition improves, which can be anywhere from months to years.

I haven't had too much side effects although I feel like I'm dreaming a lot more since I started taking it. I have no idea if it has anything to do with minax.

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    • Minax may be prescribed to reduce the risk of a heart attack.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Minax may be prescribed to reduce the risk of a heart attack.
    • Minax® is used to lower blood pressure.
      By: niyazz
      Minax® is used to lower blood pressure.
    • People who have a history of hypotension should not take Minax.
      By: Monkey Business
      People who have a history of hypotension should not take Minax.
    • Minax, like all beta blockers, expands blood vessels.
      By: Balint Radu
      Minax, like all beta blockers, expands blood vessels.