METOPROLOL (Lopressor) is used for treating high blood pressure, alone or with other medicines; long-term treatment of chest pain; and reducing the risk of death because of heart problems in patients who have had a heart attack. Lopressor is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent ("beta-blocker"). It works by reducing the amount of work the heart has to do (reduces chest pain) and the amount of blood the heart pumps out (lowers high blood pressure). It is also used to stabilize the heart rhythm in conditions in which the heart is beating too fast or at an irregular rhythm.
Generic name: Metoprolol
Metoprolol tablets or extended-release tablets
What are metoprolol tablets or extended-release tablets?
METOPROLOL (Lopressor®, Toprol XL™) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. Metoprolol controls, but does not cure, high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure may not make you feel sick, but it can lead to serious heart problems. Metoprolol also relieves chest pain (angina) and can be helpful after a heart attack. Metoprolol is also used to improve symptoms in patients with other types of heart disease. Generic metoprolol tablets are available, but not extended-release tablets.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
angina (chest pain)
asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm
circulation problems, or blood vessel disease (such as Raynaud's disease)
depression
diabetes
emphysema, or other lung disease
history of heart attack or heart disease
liver disease
muscle weakness or disease
pheochromocytoma
psoriasis
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to metoprolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take metoprolol tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Take tablets with or immediately after meals. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
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. There should be at least 4 hours between doses (or 8 hours if taking extended-release products).
What drug(s) may interact with metoprolol?
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking metoprolol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
anxiety
cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet
difficulty breathing, wheezing
dizziness or fainting spells
increase in the amount of urine passed
increased thirst
irregular heartbeat
skin rash
slow heart rate (fewer than recommended by your prescriber or health care professional)
sweating
swollen legs or ankles
tremor, shakes
vomiting
weight loss
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
dry itching skin
headache
nausea
sexual difficulties, impotence
unusual tiredness
What should I watch for while taking metoprolol?
Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking metoprolol. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her.
Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how metoprolol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks.
Metoprolol can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking metoprolol.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
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What is a generic drug?
A generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. By extension, therefore, generics are assumed to be identical in dose, strength, route of administration, safety, efficacy, and intended use.
Facts about generic drugs
It is the chemical compound that makes up drug.
It is manufactured in strict compliance within th FDA guidelines.
It costs less because they don't have to spend R&D advertising.
It works identical to brand name Drugs to treat a medical condition.
Generic drugs generally cost 30-50% less then the equivalent.
Half of all prescription drugs have generic equivalents.
By asking your pharmacist for generics, you may save a lot.
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