Drug Name

Toprol XL (Metoprolol)

Drug Uses

Toprol XL is used for treating high blood pressure, alone or with other medicines; long-term treatment of chest pain; and reducing the risk of death because of heart problems in patients who have had a heart attack. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Toprol XL as directed by your doctor.

• Take Toprol XL exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
• Take this medication with a full glass of water.
• To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Toprol XL.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Toprol XL is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. It works by reducing the amount of work the heart has to do (reduces chest pain) and the amount of blood the heart pumps out (lowers high blood pressure). It is also used to stabilize the heart rhythm in conditions in which the heart is beating too fast or at an irregular rhythm.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Toprol XL, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Toprol XL at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Toprol XL out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Toprol XL if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Toprol XL;
• you have a very slow heart rate condition (eg, bradycardia, AV block); heart failure controlled by diuretics (eg, furosemide) and digoxin; or very low systolic blood pressure (less than 100 mm Hg);
• you are taking Mibefradil.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal" Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
• If you have angina (chest pain) or have had other heart problems, do not suddenly stop taking Toprol XL without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use Toprol XL, you will need to stop Toprol XL gradually according to your doctor's instructions.
• If your doctor has instructed you to check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly, be sure to do so.
• Do not take any medicines used to treat colds or congestion without first consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Diabetes patients - Toprol XL may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Toprol XL before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Lab tests, including liver and kidney function, blood pressure, and complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Toprol XL. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Toprol XL with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Toprol XL while you are pregnant. Toprol XL is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Toprol XL, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• blurred vision; cold hands and feet; confusion; constipation; depression; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth/eyes; gas; hair loss; headache; heartburn; itching; lightheadedness; mild drowsiness; muscle aches; nausea; nightmares; ringing in the ears; short-term memory loss; sleeplessness; stomach pain; unusual tiredness or weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; fainting; pounding in the chest; swelling of the arms, hands, and feet; wheezing; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Toprol XL is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.