Lopressor

Generic name: Metoprolol

Metoprolol tablets or extended-release tablets

What are metoprolol tablets or extended-release tablets?

METOPROLOL (Lopressor, Toprol XL.) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. Metoprolol controls, but does not cure, high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure may not make you feel sick, but it can lead to serious heart problems. Metoprolol also relieves chest pain (angina) and can be helpful after a heart attack. Metoprolol is also used to improve symptoms in patients with other types of heart disease. Generic metoprolol tablets are available, but not extended-release tablets.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• angina (chest pain)
• asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm
• circulation problems, or blood vessel disease (such as Raynaud's disease)
• depression
• diabetes
• emphysema, or other lung disease
• history of heart attack or heart disease
• liver disease
• muscle weakness or disease
• pheochromocytoma
• psoriasis
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to metoprolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take metoprolol tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Take tablets with or immediately after meals. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be at least 4 hours between doses (or 8 hours if taking extended-release products).

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What drug(s) may interact with metoprolol?

• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• cimetidine
• cocaine
• fluoxetine
• hawthorn
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines to control heart rhythm
• medicines for malaria
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect, Eldepryl, Emsam, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate, Zelapar.)
• rifampin
• water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking metoprolol?

Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking metoprolol. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her.

Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how metoprolol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks.

Metoprolol can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking metoprolol.

What side effects may I notice from taking metoprolol?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• anxiety
• cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• dizziness or fainting spells
• increase in the amount of urine passed
• increased thirst
• irregular heartbeat
• skin rash
• slow heart rate (fewer than recommended by your prescriber or health care professional)
• sweating
• swollen legs or ankles
• tremor, shakes
• vomiting
• weight loss

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• dry itching skin
• headache
• nausea
• sexual difficulties, impotence
• unusual tiredness