Toprol XL

Metoprolol

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Toprol XL

Toprol XL is a beta-adrenergic blocking drug. It acts by reducing the workload of the heart (which can reduces chest pain in angina) and the amount of blood the heart pumps out (lowers high blood pressure). It is also used to stabilize the heart rhythm in conditions where the heart is beats too fast or at an irregular rhythm (arrhythmia).

Therapeutic Uses of Toprol XL

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

Direction of use of Toprol XL

Toprol XL should be used as directed by your doctor or use it as follows:

• Toprol XL should be taken with a full glass of water either on full stomach or on empty stomach.
• Toprol XL should be used exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
• To be sure this medication is helping your problem; you should check your blood pressure on a regular basis. It is important that you do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor and also do not miss any dose of it.
• If you have any question about the use of Toprol XL, you should ask your doctor, or other health care provider like pharmacist.

If You Miss a Dose of Toprol XL

If you miss a dose of Toprol XL, you should take 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 take 2 doses of it at a time to compensate for the missed dose.

How to Store Toprol XL

Toprol XL should be stored at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), but it can be stored at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) for a brief period of time without any problem. Store it away from heat, moisture, and light in a tightly closed light resistant container. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Toprol XL out of the reach of children.

More Information About Toprol XL

Toprol XL is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. If you do not get any symptomatic improvement or if they become worse, consult your doctor.

Precautions to be Taken While Taking Toprol XL

Do not use Toprol XL if you have any of the following medical problems and consult your doctor immediately:

• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Toprol XL.
• If you are taking a drug called Mibefradil.
• If you have a very slow heart rate condition (bradycardia or AV block); heart failure controlled by diuretics (like furosemide) and digoxin; or very low systolic blood pressure (less than 100 mm Hg).

Important notes about Toprol XL:

• Toprol XL can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it, especially any task that needs constant attention and monitoring.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you are pregnant, you should not use Toprol XL. If you become pregnant, you should consult your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of using Toprol XL while you are pregnant. Toprol XL is excreted 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 if you breast feed your baby while on Toprol XL.
• Patients treated for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Keep taking your medicine even if you feel tired or run down. Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms while taking Toprol XL.
• If you have angina (chest pain) and taking Toprol XL for it or have had other heart problems, you should 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 so that there is no sudden withdrawal effect (like rebound hypertension, chest pain etc.).
• 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 other health care provider.
• In diabetes patients, Toprol XL may affect blood sugar level. Monitor blood sugar levels closely during treatment with Toprol XL. Ask your doctor if you need to change the dose of your diabetes medicine or need to change the diabetic medication.
• Inform your doctor or dentist that you take Toprol XL before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Use Toprol XL with extreme caution in children as the safety and effectiveness of it have not been confirmed.
• Lab tests, like liver function test and kidney function test, 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. Keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Possible Adverse Effects of Toprol XL

• The common and mild side effects of Toprol XL are headache, nausea, blurring of vision; cold hands and feet; confusion; constipation, diarrhea, depression, dizziness; dry mouth/eyes; gas; hair loss; heartburn; itching; lightheadedness; mild drowsiness; muscle aches; nightmares; ringing in the ears; short-term memory loss; sleeplessness; stomach pain; unusual tiredness or weakness. If any of the common side effects of Toprol XL become bothersome, you should consult your doctor.
• Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects of Toprol XL. The serious and less common side effects of Toprol XL are severe allergic reaction (the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash; hives; itching; difficulty in breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain, pounding in the chest, fainting; swelling of the arms, hands, and feet; wheezing, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

Disease

• high blood pressure
• hypertension