Can I drink alcohol after taking Betaloc?
Disease description:
My father has hypertension and has been taking Betaloc recently. He wants to drink alcohol today—can he do so while taking Betaloc?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Man
You must not drink alcohol while taking metoprolol. Metoprolol effectively inhibits β₁-adrenergic receptors, thereby reducing the increases in heart rate and blood pressure induced by sympathetic nervous system activation. Sympathetic activation triggers catecholamine release; catecholamines bind to and activate β₁ receptors, promoting the release of multiple substances that elevate both blood pressure and heart rate. However, alcohol (ethanol) activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to tachycardia and hypertension—thus counteracting the therapeutic effects of metoprolol.
