Home Page > Categories > Heart & Cholesterol > Metoprolol

Metoprolol

 

Metoprolol (generic Lopressor) Review

brand names: Toprol-XL, Lopressor
generic names: Metoprolol Oral, Metoprolol tartrate, Metoprolol

Why is Lopressor prescribed?

Lopressor, a type of medication known as a beta blocker, is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, angina pectoris (chest pain, usually caused by lack of oxygen to the heart due to clogged arteries), and heart attack. When prescribed for high blood pressure, it is effective when used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications. Beta blockers decrease the force and rate of heart contractions, thereby reducing the demand for oxygen and lowering blood pressure.

Occasionally doctors prescribe Lopressor for the treatment of aggressive behavior, prevention of migraine headache, and relief of temporary anxiety.

An extended-release form of this drug, called Toprol-XL, is prescribed for high blood pressure, angina, and heart failure.

What side effects may I notice from taking metoprolol?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•anxiety
•cold, wheezing
•dizziness or fainting spells
•increase in the amount of urine passed
•increased thirst
•irregular heartbeat
•skin rash
•slow heart rate (fewer than recommended by your prescriber or health care professional)
•sweating
•swollen legs or ankles
•tremor, shakes
•vomiting
•weight loss

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•dry itching skin
•headache
•nausea
•sexual difficulties, or numb hands or feet
•difficulty breathing, tingling, impotence
•unusual tiredness

How should you take Lopressor (Metoprolol)?

Lopressor (Metoprolol) should be taken with food or immediately after you have eaten.

Try not to miss any doses. If Lopressor (Metoprolol) is not taken regularly, your condition may worsen.

--If you miss a dose...

If it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store Lopressor (Metoprolol) at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light. Protect from moisture. Store Toprol-XL at room temperature.

Take Lopressor (Metoprolol) exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Lopressor (Metoprolol) during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Lopressor appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.

What should I watch for while taking metoprolol?

Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking metoprolol. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her.

Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how metoprolol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks.

Metoprolol can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking metoprolol.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lopressor (metoprolol)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to metoprolol, or if you have:

• problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).
• pheochromocytoma; or
• a heart problem such as sick sinus syndrome, heart block, or slow heart rate;

Before taking metoprolol, tell your doctor if you have:

• myasthenia gravis.
• a thyroid disorder; or
• liver or kidney disease;
• depression;
• low blood pressure;
• diabetes;
• asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;
• congestive heart failure;

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use metoprolol, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Metoprolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.