Betalucil is the trade name and contains metoprolol tartrate tablets and metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets. The drug needs to be observed for at least 2 weeks after discontinuation, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure need to be closely monitored during the first week of discontinuation.
The drug is recommended to be discontinued gradually in half doses, and the entire discontinuation process is recommended to be maintained for at least 2 weeks until it is reduced to the last half of the tablets, with the last dose given for at least 4 days before discontinuation. Abrupt discontinuation of the drug may induce worsening of the patient’s pre-existing disease and increase the risk of death.
The plasma half-life of metoprolol tartrate is approximately 3 to 5 hours, and metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets are released at a nearly constant rate for approximately 20 hours, giving this dosage form a smooth blood level and action over 24 hours.
Patients with known concomitant ischemic heart disease should be closely monitored during withdrawal of the drug, which may exacerbate heart disease. Persons taking this product prior to surgery should inform their physician that they are receiving this type of medication in order to avoid sudden discontinuation of the medication resulting in adverse effects.
It is recommended that patients who must discontinue the drug should inform the physician in charge to avoid blindly reducing or discontinuing the drug on their own to prevent adverse effects.