Toprol-XL (metoprolol) is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).
Toprol-XL is used to treat angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack.
Toprol-XL may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Toprol-XL if you have a serious heart problem (heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heart rate), severe circulation problems, severe heart failure, or a history of slow heart beats that caused fainting.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Toprol-XL if you are allergic to metoprolol, or other beta-blockers (atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others), or if you have:
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a serious heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate;
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severe circulation problems;
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severe heart failure (that required you to be in the hospital); or
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history of slow heart beats that have caused you to faint.
To make sure Toprol-XL is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
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diabetes (taking Toprol-XL may make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar);
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liver disease;
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congestive heart failure;
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problems with circulation (such as Raynaud"s syndrome);
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a thyroid disorder; or
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pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Toprol-XL will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while using this medication.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Metoprolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Toprol-XL is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Toprol-XL?
Take Toprol-XL exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take the medicine at the same time each day.
Toprol-XL should be taken with a meal 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.
While using Toprol-XL, you may need frequent blood tests at your doctor"s office. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Toprol-XL.
You should not stop using Toprol-XL suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store Toprol-XL at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Toprol-XL may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Toprol-XL.
Toprol-XL side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Toprol-XL: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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very slow heartbeats;
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain; or
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cold feeling in your hands and feet.
Common Toprol-XL side effects may include:
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dizziness, tired feeling;
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confusion, memory problems;
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nightmares, trouble sleeping;
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diarrhea; or
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mild itching or rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Toprol-XL?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Toprol-XL, especially:
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prazosin;
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terbinafine;
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an antidepressant - bupropion, clomipramine, desipramine, duloxetine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline;
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an ergot medicine - dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine;
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heart or blood pressure medications - amlodipine, clonidine, digoxin, diltiazem, dipyridamole, hydralazine, methyldopa, nifedipine, quinidine, reserpine, verapamil, and others;
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a MAO inhibitor - isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine; or
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medicine to treat mental illness - chlorpromazine, fluphenazine haloperidol, thioridazine.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Toprol-XL, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
