What is the most important information I should know about metoprolol?
Do not stop taking metoprolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly
may make your condition worse.
If you need to have any type of surgery, you may need to temporarily stop using
metoprolol. Be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using metoprolol.
Metoprolol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid
drinking alcohol, which could increase
drowsiness and
dizziness while you are
taking metoprolol.
Metoprolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also
include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines
very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.
Hypertension often has no symptoms, so you may not even feel that you have high blood
pressure. Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to use
blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
What is metoprolol?
Metoprolol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect 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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metoprolol?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to metoprolol, or if you have:
Before taking metoprolol, tell your doctor if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take metoprolol.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Metoprolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take metoprolol?
Take metoprolol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow your doctor's
instructions.
Take this medication with a full
glass of water.
Take metoprolol at the same time every day.
Metoprolol should be taken with food 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.
Chewing or crushing the pill could cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
Do not skip doses or stop taking metoprolol without first talking to your doctor.
Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be
checked on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using metoprolol.
You may need to briefly stop using metoprolol before having surgery.
Metoprolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also
include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines
very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.
Hypertension often has no symptoms, so you may not even feel that you have high blood
pressure. Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to use
blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store metoprolol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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