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A Report On Metoprolol ( Lopressor ) Essay

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Pharmacogenomics Report: Metoprolol (Lopressor)
1. Mechanism of action/indications and use
Metoprolol is a common drug utilized to treat a range of cardiovascular problems including hypertension, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, arrhythmia and tachycardia among others (Sagent, 2016). It acts as a beta blocker that specifically targets beta-1 adrenergic receptors found in the heart. Stimulation of beta-1 adrenergic receptors causes an increase in cardiac output by increasing heart rate (through action on receptors in the SA node) and contractility (by acting on the receptors in the myocardium). As a result, blocking these receptors with metoprolol would cause a decrease in heart rate, contractility, and blood pressure, ultimately alleviating some of the problems mentioned above (Brodde, 2008).
2. Pharmacokinetics
Metoprolol and other lipid soluble beta blockers undergoes hepatic as opposed to renal metabolism. The former process boasts a shorter half life than the latter through which metoprolol is quickly eliminated from the body (BHS, 2008).
The drug is primarily administered to a patient orally and the majority of the dosage is rapidly absorbed in the GI tract. Once ingested and absorbed, metoprolol quickly disperses throughout the body. Approximately 10% of metoprolol in the blood binds to serum albumin. Metabolism of the drug in the body occurs through the combination of alpha-hydroxylation, O-demethylation, and N-dealkylation via oxidative deamination.

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