Toprol XL ratings & reviews

Toprol XL contains the active ingredient metoprolol succinate, a beta-selective adrenoceptor blocker. It is formulated as extended-release tablets for oral administration, available in strengths equivalent to 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg of metoprolol tartrate. Key inactive ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, and titanium dioxide.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You may cut the tablet in half if it is scored (has a line in the middle of it). This may help you swallow the tablet if the whole tablet is too big. Be sure to take both halves. Do not take just one-half of the tablet. You can take it with or without food. It is best to take it with food or after a meal. You should always take it the same way. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in sex drive or performance
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Heart or blood vessel conditions, such as slow heartbeat, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome
• Liver disease
• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
• Pheochromocytoma
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to metoprolol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

• Epinephrine
• MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• NSAIDS, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Some medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat

Other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.

Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Ask your care team if there are other changes you can make to improve your overall health.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

This medication may affect blood glucose levels. It can also mask the symptoms of low blood sugar, such as a rapid heartbeat and tremors. If you have diabetes, it is important to check your blood sugar often while you are taking this medication.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medication. This may increase your risk of side effects, such as chest pain and heart attack. If you no longer need to take this medication, your care team will lower the dose slowly over time to decrease the risk of side effects.

If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.