"Betalok ZOK": reviews of cardiologists, description of the drug, instructions for use

This cardiologic preparation is very popular in Russian-speaking countries mainly due to its affordable price."Betalok ZOK", reviews of cardiologists, which we will consider in our article, is actively assigned to the whole spectrum of cardiovascular diseases. But, despite the widespread use of this drug, like any medicine, Betalok ZOK has a number of contraindications and side effects. In order not to harm your health, before you start using these tablets, you should carefully study the instructions for their use.

General description of the preparation

"Betaloc ZOK", the price for which differs depending on the dosage and the number of tablets in the package, refer to one of the types of cardioselective beta-blockers. Externally, these tablets are covered with an enteric coating. Betalok ZOK, reviews of cardiologists, whose actions are mostly positive, is a prolonged-release drug. Due to its shell, the drug has a delayed release. Moreover, it does not have sympathomimetic internal activity.

The main active ingredient of the drug is metoprolol, a substance that exerts the following effect on the body:

• is antihypertensive;
• antianginal;
• antiarrhythmic.

Also this drug quite effectively reduces the excitability of the myocardium, reducing its need for oxygen.

Preparation Betalok ZOK: instructions, reviews

Regarding how to take Betalok ZOK, the official instructions for the drug include the following recommendations: the medicine should be swallowed whole, without chewing, with plenty of water.

Also in the instruction it is indicated that the medicine can be drunk both after meals and on an empty stomach. The time of taking does not affect the effectiveness of the drug.

Regarding the dosage, it must necessarily be agreed with the treating cardiologist.

In the official instruction for the drug, the principle of its action is described as follows: after taking the pill, the body is blocking small doses of beta 1-adrenergic receptors of the heart. Due to this, the heart rate is cut, reducing myocardial contractility. As a consequence, the need for myocardium in oxygen decreases. As a result of this action, taking the drug, there is a decrease in tachycardia, physical performance and overall endurance increase, angina attacks decrease. Also after taking the medication, a decrease in blood pressure is observed both in a state of stress and under physical stress, and in a state of complete rest.

The claimed action is confirmed by the responses of people who take this drug. Almost all people note an improvement in overall well-being and an increase in working capacity. At the same time in many reviews there is information that with a sharp refusal of the drug, the state of health, on the contrary, can suddenly and significantly worsen. For this reason, people who took Betaloc ZOK, are advised to stop taking it gradually, daily reducing the dosage.

Indications for use

Based on the examined effect of the drug on the body, it is prescribed by cardiologists for admission in the following pathologies of the heart rhythm:

• sinus and supraventricular tachycardia;
• supraventricular as well as ventricular arrhythmias;
• atrial tachyarrhythmia;
• ventricular extrasystole;
• atrial flutter;
• arrhythmia caused by mitral valve prolapse.

In addition to heart rhythm disturbances, the preparation "Betaloc ZOK", reviews of cardiologists about which do not cause concern about its effect on the body, can be prescribed for admission in the presence of such problems and diseases as:

• unstable angina;
• hypertensive crisis;
• Stenocardia tension;
• ischemic heart disease;
• acute phase with myocardial infarction;
• arterial hypertension;
• chronic heart failure;
• functional violations in the work of the CCC;
• senile or essential tremor;
• for complex therapy of thyrotoxicosis;
• panic attacks.

The drug "Betaloc ZOK" can be used during complex therapy with an unreasonable state of anxiety, in cases of onset of akathisia with the reception of neuroleptics. The drug can be prescribed for the removal of migraine, as well as to reduce the manifestations of symptoms in the onset of abstinence syndrome.

The release form

Betalok ZOK, reviews of cardiologists about the action of which confirm its effectiveness, is issued in the form of biconvex tablets of white color. They have an oval shape and can be engraved or incised on them. The drug is available in various dosages: there is Betaloc ZOK 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. Depending on the manufacturer, tablets can be sold to the end consumer both in cardboard packages and in plastic bottles.

If a dosage of 25 mg was prescribed by the doctor for admission to patients, if it is not available, you can safely buy Betalok ZOK 50 mg or 100 mg. These tablets can be divided in half. In this case, the prolonged action of the drug is completely preserved. But they are not strongly recommended to crush or chew.

The average cost of the drug

Betalok ZOK, the price of which depends on the number of tablets in the package and the mark-up of the final seller, is on average 130 to 460 rubles. The cheapest - tablets of 25 mg, which are packaged in 14 pcs.in a pack. Their price is about 130-150 rubles.

The most expensive is Betalok ZOK with a dosage of 100 mg, which is packaged in 30 pieces.in the bottle. It costs about 420-480 rubles.

Principle of action of the drug

This medication after taking continues its therapeutic effect on the body for 24 hours. Getting into the liver, the substance is subjected to oxidative metabolism. The lion's share( 95%) of the taken drug is excreted from the body as a metabolic product. The remaining 5% are taken with urine.

Known contraindications to the use of

As with any drug, this drug has a number of its contraindications. Doctors do not recommend its use if a history of the patient has the following diseases:

• decompensated form of chronic heart failure;
• state of cardiogenic shock;
• sinus bradycardia;
• hypotension;
• acute heart failure.

Taking this medication under the supervision of a doctor costs people prone to allergies and hypersensitivity to metoprolol. Also cardiologists are advised with caution to take this medicine to people with problems such as:

• obstructive bronchitis;
• emphysema;
• bronchial asthma;
• metabolic acidosis;
• diabetes;
• kidney disease;
• psoriasis;
• hepatic impairment;
• peripheral circulatory disturbance.

Women during pregnancy are not prescribed this medication, as it can lead to a decrease in the pulse of the fetus being born. Also, this drug is not desirable to take during lactation.

Possible side effects of

Before using this medication, information about all possible side effects should be carefully studied, using the official instruction in the package for this. Since the drug directly affects the heart rate, in a short time can significantly reduce the pulse and lower blood pressure, the side effects from its reception should be taken seriously.

"Betaloc ZOK" can affect various organs and systems of the body, for example:

• on the part of the senses can be impaired vision, dry eyes, tinnitus;
• possible such disorders in the work of the central nervous system, as a slowed down motor and mental reactions, headaches;
• with the appointment of large doses of the drug, there may be disorders of respiratory function - bronchospasm, shortness of breath, nasal congestion;
• from the side of dermatology, various eruptions, itching, hives, photodermatosis, psoriasis-like reactions are possible.

If any changes in the state of health occur or if symptoms similar to those described above are observed, cardiologists are advised to put their physician in the know.

Interaction with other drugs

Also, a doctor who appoints Betaloc ZOK should be informed about all the drugs that the patient uses at the time of appointment. There are substances that are categorically contraindicated in the use of Betaloc ZOK.At its or his reception, it is strictly forbidden to enter to the person injections of "Verapamilum".When using Betaloc ZOK, it is very cautious to prescribe drugs similar to Reserpine( which, by their action, reduce the reserves of catecholamines).Such a simultaneous appointment may provoke a bradycardia attack and a rapid drop in blood pressure.

Reviews of doctors about this drug

In numerous forums, cardiologists well enough speak about this drug. To one of its main advantages, they include the ability of the drug to effectively reduce pressure. Since this medicine has much less value than its counterparts, for many hypertensive patients such a medicine becomes a panacea indeed.

This drug deserves good reviews from physicians because, according to the results of many studies, its main component, metaprolol, has the property of prolonging life. Despite the fact that cardiologists have this drug in a good enough account, there is a certain category of people who are advised to take additional security measures when taking these pills. Among these recommendations can be identified:

1. Regular check of blood glucose level in people with diabetes. In consideration it is necessary to accept the fact that, being a beta-adrenoblocker, "Betalok ZOK can mask the tachycardia that arises due to hypoglycemia. At the beginning of taking the tablets, every patient with cardiologists is recommended to measure blood pressure daily and monitor the pulse. In cases when receiving Betalok ZOK, heart rate is less than 50 beats per minute, cardiologists are strongly advised to seek medical advice.
2. To older patients who take this medication, doctors recommend monitoring kidney function at least once every 6 months.

Existing analogues: what is Betalock or Betaloc ZOK better?

Substitutes for this drug can be considered drugs, the main active ingredient of which is metoprolol and whose intake is designed to reduce the heart rate, as well as lower blood pressure.

Among the most popular analogues of the drug can be identified:

• "Corvitol".
• "Metazok".
• "Vazocardin".
• Metocard.
• "Egilok".
• "Lidalok".
• "Methanol".
• "Metohexal".

Many are misled by the name of another drug - Betaloc, and it becomes unclear how it differs from Betaloc ZOK.In fact, this is the same medicine, which is based on the same substance - metoprolol. The only difference is that Betalok ZOK is available in tablet form, and Betalok in the form of a solution for injections. Intravenous injections of "Betalok" are shown in the following cases:

• when due to myocardial infarction the patient has tachyarrhythmia or severe pain syndrome;
• there are signs of myocardial ischemia;
• is diagnosed with supraventricular tachyarrhythmia.

Choosing which is better, "Betalok" or "Betalok ZOK", for use in the home, preference is given to the tablet option.

Injection is much faster absorbed into the bloodstream than drugs taken in the form of tablets, and this causes their faster action on the body. For this reason, even if a cardiologist has been appointed to receive Betalok ZOK, it is impossible to change it to injections of Betalocom by any means. This drug can be administered parenterally only in the presence of specially trained medical personnel, who in case of complications or adverse reactions, will be able to make the necessary reanimation measures.