Mar 28, 2010
Review Toprol XL
Categories: Blood Pressure|Heart, review med

Toprol XL treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain), and lowers the risk of repeated heart attacks. Toprol XL also used to treat heart failure. This medicine(Toprol XL) is a beta-blocker.
Brand Name(s):
Toprol XL, Lopressor, Metoprolol Tartrate, Toprol-XL ,Protomet , Lopresor, Selokeen, Minax, Metrol , Betaloc, Neobloc, Corvitol
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When Toprol XL Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Toprol XL if you have had an allergic reaction to metoprolol or to any other type of beta-blocker medicine (such as atenolol, propranolol, Corgard®, Inderal®,Propranolol, Lopressor®, or Tenormin®). Do not use Toprol XL if you have low blood pressure, blood circulation problems, an adrenal gland tumor called a pheochromocytoma, or certain heart problems. Talk with your doctor about what these heart problems are.
How to Use Toprol XL:
Tablet, Long Acting Tablet
- Your doctor will tell you how much of Toprol XL to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- Take Toprol XL with a meal or just after you eat. You may break the extended-release tablet in two, but swallow the two pieces whole and do not crush or chew them.
If a dose is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to use Toprol XL, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of Toprol XL:
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
- Keep Toprol XL away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Toprol XL.Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using clonidine (Catapres®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), reserpine, medicine to treat depression (such as bupropion, fluoxetine, paroxetine, Paxil®, Prozac®, Wellbutrin®), an MAO inhibitor (such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®), medicine to treat mental illness (such as thioridazine, Mellaril®), medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as propafenone, quinidine, Rhythmol®), medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (such as ritonavir, Norvir®), an allergy medicine (such as diphenhydramine, Benadryl®), medicine to treat malaria (such as hydroxychloroquine, quinidine, Plaquenil® Sulfate), medicine to treat a fungus infection (such as terbinafine, Lamisil®), or a stomach medicine (such as cimetidine, Tagamet®).
Warnings While Using Toprol XL:
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, lung problems (such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema), an overactive thyroid, or diabetes.
- Do not stop using Toprol XL suddenly without asking your doctor, or you may develop life-threatening heart problems. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
- Call your doctor right away if you have rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, or troubled breathing. These may be signs of a serious heart problem.
- Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using Toprol XL. You may need to stop using Toprol XL several days before having surgery or medical tests.
- Toprol XL may raise or lower your blood sugar, or it may cover up symptoms of very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you have diabetes, report any changes in your blood sugar to your doctor.
- Toprol XL may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert.
- If you stop using Toprol XL, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using Toprol XL without asking your doctor.
Possible Side Effects While Using Toprol XL
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
- Chest pain.
- Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
- Lightheadedness or fainting.
- Rapid weight gain.
- Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Wheezing or trouble with breathing.
- Shortness of breath, cold sweats, and bluish-colored skin.
- Skin rash or itching.
- Slow, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Blurred vision.
- Cold hands and feet.
- Muscle or joint pain.
- Problems with sex.
- Sleepiness or trouble sleeping.
- Stuffy or runny nose.
- Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, or upset stomach.
- Dry mouth.
- Feeling dizzy, drowsy, confused, depressed, or tired.
- Headache.
- Memory problems, nightmares, or unusual dreams.
- Hearing loss.
