USE
This medication is a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain (angina), heart failure, and high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure 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) that affect the heart and blood vessels. This results in a lowering of heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used for irregular heartbeats, migraine headache prevention, and after an acute heart attack to improve survival.
How to use Toprol XL - Oral
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. Remember to 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 1 or 2 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.
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.
With some brands of this medication, an empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This is harmless.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
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 a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking metoprolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
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).
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.
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