Toprol-XL

The active ingredient in Toprol-XL is metoprolol succinate. It is a beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist which works by reducing blood pressure and heart rate, reducing stress on the heart.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Toprol-XL. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Toprol-XL:

• Always take Toprol-XL with food, or right after a meal, to help reduce side effects such as dizziness.
• The Toprol-XL extended-release tablets can be divided, but should never be crushed or chewed.
• It is not recommended to drink alcohol while on this medication, as this can increase the risk of drowsiness and dizziness.
• This medication should not be stopped suddenly, as this can increase your blood pressure too quickly and increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
• This medication may induce low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you are diabetic, you may need to check your blood sugar more frequently while on this medication.
• Avoid driving or using heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

The most common side effects of Toprol XL include:

• Fatigue.
• Lightheadedness.
• Headache.
• Drowsiness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate).
• Diarrhea.
• Rash.
• Constipation.
• Dry mouth.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Toprol-XL. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Worsening symptoms of heart failure, such as trouble breathing, rapid weight gain, severe fatigue, chest pain, swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet.
• Heart problems, including low blood pressure (hypotension) or an irregular heartbeat, present as feeling lightheaded, dizzy, short of breath, having chest pain, or sweating.
• Bronchospasm may present as tightness in your chest, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, feeling dizzy, or feeling very tired.
• Signs or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as tightness in the throat, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or hives.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Toprol-XL. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Toprol-XL, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Diabetes - this medication may mask the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Hyperthyroidism - this medication may mask the signs and symptoms of severely high thyroid levels (thyrotoxicosis).
• Peripheral vascular disease - metoprolol may worsen symptoms of this disease.
• Liver impairment.
• Any upcoming surgery.
• Pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).

• Severe bradycardia (slow heartbeat).
• Heart block.
• Cardiogenic shock.
• Decompensated heart failure.
• Sick sinus syndrome.
• Bronchospastic disease, including asthma or COPD.

The initial effect of metoprolol succinate is seen within hours, but the full effect can take weeks to be seen.

When Toprol-XL is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and selegiline may cause an increase in lightheadedness or vertigo when combined with Toprol-XL.
• Drugs which can increase blood levels of Toprol-XL: quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, propafenone.
• As with other beta-blockers, metoprolol succinate may worsen the rebound hypertension from withdrawal of clonidine.
• Calcium channel blockers such as verapamil and diltiazem should not be used with beta-blockers due to the additive effects on heart rate. A similar effect is seen with the drug digoxin.

Brand name and generic Toprol-XL are available in 25mg, 50mg, 100mg, or 200mg tablets.

It should be stored at room temperature away from the reach of children or pets.

It is manufactured by AstraZeneca.

Yes, it is available from several manufacturers of generic drugs.

Barring any of the above serious life-threatening side effects or under the advice of a physician, Toprol-XL should not be discontinued suddenly. Doing so can cause your blood pressure to go up and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Due to the limited studies on the use of metoprolol in pregnancy, other agents are preferred when treating hypertension during pregnancy. For other indications, careful risk vs benefit consideration should be made. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Due to the limited studies on the use of metoprolol during breastfeeding, and because it is found in breast milk, other agents are preferred in nursing patients. For other indications, careful risk vs benefit consideration should be made. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.