Lopressor

Lopressor

     * Generic Name: metoprolol tartrate
     * Brand Name: Lopressor


     * What is metoprolol?
     * What are the possible side effects of metoprolol?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       metoprolol?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       metoprolol?
     * How should I take metoprolol?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking metoprolol?
     * What other drugs will affect metoprolol?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is metoprolol?

   Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation
   (blood flow through arteries and veins).

   Metoprolol is used to treat angina (chest pain) and
   hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used to treat or
   prevent heart attack.

   Metoprolol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of metoprolol?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * very slow heartbeats;
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid
       weight gain; or
     * cold feeling in your hands and feet.

   Common side effects may include:
     * dizziness, tired feeling;
     * confusion, memory problems;
     * nightmares, trouble sleeping;
     * diarrhea; or
     * mild itching or rash.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about metoprolol?

   You should not use this medication if you have a serious heart problem
   (heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heart rate), severe
   circulation problems, severe heart failure, or a history of slow
   heart beats that caused fainting.

   Lopressor Patient Information including How Should I Take
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metoprolol?

   You should not use this medication if you are allergic to metoprolol,
   or other beta-blockers (atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol,
   metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, and
   others), or if you have:
     * a serious heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus
       syndrome, or slow heart rate;
     * severe circulation problems;
     * severe heart failure (that required you to be in the hospital); or
     * history of slow heart beats that have caused you to faint.

   To make sure metoprolol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
       sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
     * diabetes (taking metoprolol may make it harder for you to tell
       when you have low blood sugar);
     * liver disease;
     * congestive heart failure;
     * problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome);
     * a thyroid disorder; or
     * pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).

   It is not known whether metoprolol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your
   doctor right away if you become pregnant while using this medicine.

   Metoprolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

   Metoprolol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take metoprolol?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
   recommended.

   Take the medicine at the same time each day.

   Metoprolol should be taken with a meal or just after a meal.

   A Toprol XL tablet can be divided in half if your doctor has told you
   to do so. The half tablet should be swallowed whole, without chewing or
   crushing.

   While using metoprolol, you may need frequent blood tests at your
   doctor's office. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

   If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are
   using metoprolol.

   You should not stop using metoprolol suddenly. Stopping suddenly may
   make your condition worse.

   If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this
   medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no
   symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of
   your life.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Lopressor Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking metoprolol?

   Metoprolol may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you
   drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

   Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of metoprolol.

What other drugs will affect metoprolol?

   Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or
   stop using during your treatment with metoprolol, especially:
     * prazosin;
     * terbinafine;
     * an antidepressant--bupropion, clomipramine,
       desipramine, duloxetine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine,
       paroxetine, sertraline;
     * an ergot medicine--dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine,
       methylergonovine;
     * heart or blood pressure medications--amlodipine, clonidine,
       digoxin, diltiazem, dipyridamole, hydralazine, methyldopa,
       nifedipine, quinidine, reserpine, verapamil, and others;
     * an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine,
       rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine; or
     * medicine to treat mental illness--chlorpromazine, fluphenazine
       haloperidol, thioridazine.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with metoprolol,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about metoprolol.
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