*** Warning!
The following information is intended to supplement (not substitute for) the expertise & judgment of your physician, pharmacist and/or another healthcare professionals. It shouldn't be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your doctor  before using this medicine or drug.

Common brand names : Toprol XL, Lopressor, Metoprolol Tartrate.

Active component : Metoprolol
(Tablets)

Related drugs (same active component) : Lopressor HCT


WARNING!
If you have angina and/or you have heart disease (like coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, hypertension), do not stop using this drug without first consulting with your doctor. Your condition can become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this drug, you must gradually decrease your dose according to doctor instructions. When gradually stopping this drug, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease the work of the heart. Please seek immediate medical attention if you developed: worsening chest pain, tightness or pressure in the chest, chest pain spreading to the jaw, neck, arm, sweating, hard breathing and/or fast, irregular heartbeat.

Toprol XL uses:  This medication is a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain (angina), heart failure, and high blood pressure. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body such as epinephrine on the heart and blood vessels. This results in a lowering of the heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.

Other uses of Metoprolol:  This medication may also be used for irregular heartbeats, migraine headache prevention, and after an acute heart attack to improve survival.

How to use Metoprolol:  Take this medication by mouth usually once daily, with or right after a meal, or as directed by your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. The tablet is scored and can be divided. However, the whole or half tablet should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew the tablet before swallowing. This drug is not effective if you use it only when chest pain or a migraine headache occurs. It is very important to take this medication regularly as prescribed to help prevent these conditions. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It may take one or two weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Refer to the Warning section.

Metoprolol side effects:  You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, tiredness, diarrhea, unusual dreams, trouble sleeping, or vision problems as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This drug may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: symptoms of a very slow heartbeat (e.g., persistent dizziness, fainting, unusual fatigue), bluish discoloration of the fingers and toes, numbness/tingling/swelling of the hands or feet, decreased sexual ability, reversible hair loss, mental/mood changes, trouble breathing, cough, unexplained or sudden weight gain, increased thirst, increased urination. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or fever, yellowing skin or eyes, stomach pain, dark urine, persistent nausea. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Toprol XL precautions:  This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain types of irregular heartbeats (e.g., sinus bradycardia, second or third degree atrioventricular block), cardiogenic shock, severe heart failure (overt or decompensated type), a certain type of tumor (untreated pheochromocytoma). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart failure (treated, compensated type), breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease), diabetes, overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), liver disease, blood circulation problems (e.g., Raynaud's disease), skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis), mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression), certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), any allergies. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. If you have diabetes, this medication may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of a low blood sugar level such as dizziness or sweating are unaffected by this drug. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks (e.g., low birth weight) and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Metoprolol interactions:  This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: mibefradil, psychiatric drugs (phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, thioridazine). If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this drug. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: alpha-blockers (e.g., prazosin), anti-diabetic drugs (e.g., glipizide, glyburide, insulin), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), cimetidine, epinephrine, general anesthesia, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., indomethacin, ibuprofen), other heart drugs (e.g., amiodarone, digoxin, propafenone, quinidine, intravenous lidocaine), other drugs to treat high blood pressure (e.g., clonidine, hydralazine, reserpine), medications for overactive thyroid disease (e.g., methimazole, propylthiouracil), paroxetine, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), St. John's wort. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose:  If overdose of metoprolol is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusually slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, slow or shallow breathing, weakness, or fainting.

Drug notes:  Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Have your blood pressure and pulse checked regularly while taking this medication. It may be best to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure and pulse. Discuss this with your doctor.

If missed dose:  If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose!

If this drug was prescribed for you by doctor - please post Toprol XL reviews, Lopressor reviews, Metoprolol reviews.