Toprol Xl

Information on Toprol Xl

24 Hour Tablets
Chemical Name: METOPROLOL (me-TOE-proe-lole)

Common uses
This medicine is a beta blocker used to treat high blood pressure, angina pectoris (chest pain), and congestive heart failure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
WARNING: If you have angina or have had heart problems, do not suddenly stop using this medicine without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this medicine, you must stop this medicine gradually according to your doctor's instructions. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking mibefradil. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking amiodarone, barbiturates, birth control pills, cimetidine, digoxin, disopyramide, flecainide, fluoxetine, indomethacin, methimazole, paroxetine, propafenone, propylthiouracil, quinidine, verapamil, or any other medicines to treat high blood pressure. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of extremely slow heartbeat, heart block, or certain other heart conditions (e.g., sick sinus syndrome, decompensated heart failure). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you have certain circulation problems (such as Raynaud Syndrome), asthma, other lung disorders, diabetes, thyroid disease, if you have had a recent heart attack, or if you will be having surgery. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Swallow this medicine whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Some brands of this medicine may be broken in half before taking. If you have difficulty swallowing the whole tablet, ask your pharmacist if your brand of medicine may be broken in half. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food or milk. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it if you remember the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without checking with your doctor. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. BEFORE TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines used to treat colds or congestion. IF YOUR DOCTOR HAS INSTRUCTED YOU TO CHECK your blood pressure and heart rate regularly, be sure to do so. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. FOR PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS: this medicine may mask signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heartbeat. Check blood glucose levels regularly.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include mild drowsiness; lightheadedness or dizziness; or unusual tiredness or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience sudden unusual weight gain or swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience shortness of breath, wheezing, or slow or irregular heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, slowed heart rate, difficulty breathing, bluish discoloration of skin, severe chest pain, loss of consciousness.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.