Intravenous metoprolol and cardiac dysrhythmias. An evaluation in the management of dysrhythmias in outpatient dental anaesthesia.

The use of intravenous metoprolol in a dose of 0.06--0.17 mg/kg body weight proved effective in the treatment of sinus tachycardia in excess of 150 beats/min and/or ventricular dysrhythmias associated with light halothane anaesthesia for outpatient dental surgery. There were no side-effects related to this cardioselective beta-blocker in the dosage used. The prophylactic use of oral metoprolol should be considered for patients who find the prospect of dental treatment a fearsome experience.