This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Lopressor Consumer Information
LOPRESSOR
Generic Name: metoprolol (me TOE proe lole)
Brand Names: Lopressor, Toprol XL
What is the most important information I should know about metoprolol?
- Do not stop taking metoprolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping metoprolol abruptly may cause your condition to become worse.
- Call your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Metoprolol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
What is metoprolol?
- Metoprolol is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulatory system.
- Metoprolol is used to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure), to treat chest pain (angina), to treat heart failure, and to reduce the risk that a heart attack will recur.
- Metoprolol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metoprolol?
- Before taking metoprolol, tell your doctor if you have
- asthma;
- a heart problem such as low blood pressure, a slow heart rate, heart block, sick sinus syndrome, a pacemaker, heart failure, and others;
- diabetes;
- depression;
- thyroid disease;
- kidney disease;
- liver disease; or
- any type of circulatory disease.
- You may not be able to take metoprolol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Metoprolol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether metoprolol will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Metoprolol passes into breast milk in small amounts and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take metoprolol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take metoprolol?
- Take metoprolol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Take metoprolol with food or immediately following a meal.
- Do not crush or chew the extended-release tablets and capsules (e.g., Toprol XL). The tablets can be divided in half if prescribed by your doctor and the half tablet should be swallowed whole, without crushing or chewing. These tablets are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.
- It is important to take metoprolol regularly to get the most benefit.
- Do not stop taking metoprolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping metoprolol abruptly may cause your condition to become worse.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood pressure monitoring or other medical evaluations during treatment with metoprolol to monitor progress and side effects.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose however, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a metoprolol overdose include a slow heart beat, shortness of breath, fainting, dizziness, weakness, confusion, nausea, and vomiting.
What should I avoid while taking metoprolol?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Metoprolol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blood pressure changes. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking this medication.
- Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before having surgery.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.