Metoprolol


DNX0059.HTM

Metoprolol (By mouth)
Metoprolol (met-oh-PROE-lol)

Treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain) and lowers the risk of repeated heart attacks. This medicine is a beta-blocker.

Brand Name(s):Toprol XL, Lopressor, Metoprolol Tartrate, Toprol-XL
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to metoprolol or to any other type of beta-blocker medicine (such as atenolol, propranolol, Corgard®, Inderal®, Lopressor®, Tenormin®). Do not use this medicine if you have low blood pressure, blood circulation problems, an adrenal gland tumor, or certain heart problems, including heart block, heart failure, a slow heartbeat, or a condition called sick-sinus syndrome.

How to Use This Medicine:
Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine 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 this medicine 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 your medicine, 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 This Medicine:

  • 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 all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

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®), reserpine, medicine to treat depression (such as bupropion, fluoxetine, paroxetine, Paxil®, Prozac®, Wellbutrin®), 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®), 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 stomach medicine (such as cimetidine, Tagamet®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, liver disease, an overactive thyroid, or diabetes.
  • Do not stop using this medicine 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.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.
  • This medicine 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.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
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.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Shortness of breath, cold sweats, and bluish-colored skin.
  • Skin rash or itching.
  • Slow, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising.
  • Wheezing or trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Cold hands and feet.
  • Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Feeling dizzy, drowsy, confused, depressed, or tired.
  • Headache.
  • Memory problems, nightmares, or unusual dreams.
  • Problems with sex.
  • Sleepiness or trouble sleeping.
  • Stuffy or runny nose.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.