Drug Title

Toprol XL (Metoprolol)

Drug Uses
 
Toprol XL is a cardiovascular agent that is combined with other medication and used in the treatment of high blood pressure and chest pain. It is also used to increase the survival rate in patients who have suffered from a heart attack.

Mode of Application

Toprol XL can be taken by mouth with or without food. Take it with a full glass of water. Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday.

Do not stop without consulting your doctor. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Toprol XL is a beta-adrenergic cardiovascular agent that relaxes cardiovascular blood vessels and the amount of blood it pumps out. It thereby reduces the amount of work that the heart has to do.

It may also be used to stabilize the heart rhythm conditions in which the heart beats at an irregular rhythm.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Toprol XL then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.
 
Do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or 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.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Toprol XL and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Toprol XL is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Certain patients who take blood pressure medication have a feeling of being tired in the first few weeks of therapy. Continue to take the drug even if this happens.

Do not stop taking the drug if you have angina (chest pain) or have had other heart problems.

Do not take any medication to treat colds or congestions.

Toprol XL may affect your blood sugar level and may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.

Toprol XL should be used with extreme caution in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about Toprol XL before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.

Periodic lab tests including liver and kidney function, blood pressure, and complete blood cell counts may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are 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. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include 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.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.