title: Safety of intravenous β-adrenoceptor blockers for computed tomographic coronary angiography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the safety of our clinical practice using off-label intravenous metoprolol to facilitate computed tomographic (CT) coronary angiography.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis of scan reports and hospital admissions data was conducted to identify adverse events occurring following CT coronary angiography in patients who had received intravenous metoprolol prior to the scan.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 3098 patients were included, of whom 1871 received intravenous metoprolol. Nine hundred and one patients received more than 15 mg and 129 patients received metoprolol despite a resting heart rate <65 beats min(-1) . There was a single adverse incident, comprising transient loss of consciousness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of intravenous metoprolol to facilitate cardiac CT scanning appears safe. Dose limits recommended for other indications, generally in acutely unwell patients, may not need to be as stringent in this population.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Department, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, UK.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Clayton
authors.forename: Vikram
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Raju
authors.forename: Carl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Roobottom
authors.forename: Gareth
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Morgan-Hughes
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D056687:Off-Label Use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D008790:Metoprolol
keywords: X-ray computed; adrenergic β-adrenoceptor antagonists; coronary angiography; drug-related side effects and adverse reactions; metoprolol; tomography