Which of the following is a common adverse reaction of metoprolol?

Metoprolol, a beta-blocker commonly used to treat hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions, can often lead to dizziness as a common adverse reaction. This occurs because metoprolol acts on beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, resulting in reduced heart rate and blood pressure. When blood pressure decreases, some patients may experience orthostatic hypotension—a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up—which can lead to feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness.

While other potential side effects such as nausea, rash, and tachycardia may occur, they are less commonly reported compared to dizziness. Specifically, nausea may relate to gastrointestinal upset, rash may indicate an allergic reaction, and tachycardia is often counterintuitive since beta-blockers generally work to decrease heart rate. Therefore, dizziness is recognized as a more prevalent adverse effect of metoprolol, particularly following dose adjustments or when initiating therapy.