Metoprolol and Low Blood Sugar

Blood sugar levels may be affected by metoprolol, and low blood sugar is more likely to occur in infants or children and people who have kidney disease or diabetes. Early symptoms that may indicate low blood sugar levels include dizziness, sweating, and extreme hunger. Since low blood sugar levels can cause serious or life-threatening complications, it is important to know the possible signs of low blood sugar and what to do if these symptoms occur.

 

Does Metoprolol Cause Low Blood Sugar?

Low blood sugar levels have been reported in people taking metoprolol (available as Lopressor®, Toprol XL®, and generic metoprolol) along with other beta blockers. This side effect is more common in infants and children, while fasting (such as before surgery), after prolonged exercise, or in people with kidney disease or diabetes.
 

Metoprolol and Low Blood Sugar Symptoms

Low blood sugar symptoms can vary depending on a number of factors, including how low the blood sugar levels are.
 Examples of early symptoms may include:
 
  • Sweating
  • Shakiness
  • Extreme hunger
  • Dizziness
  • Cold sweats
  • Blurry vision.
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More severe symptoms of low blood sugar can include:
 
  • Changes in behavior, such as irritability
  • Loss of coordination
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma
  • Loss of life.
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Two other symptoms that can occur in people with low blood sugar are an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. In people taking metoprolol, these two low blood sugar symptoms may not occur because of the effects of the medicine.
 
(Metoprolol and Low Blood Sugar Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;