Lopressor (Metoprolol Tartrate) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Palpitations »

Palpitations facts

Palpitations can occur without heart disease or as a result of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
The SA node is the natural pacemaker of the heart.
Slow heart rhythms are called bradycardias. Rapid heart rhythms are called tachycardias.
The average normal heart beats at a rate of 60 to 100 times per minute.
Some patients with arrhythmias have no symptoms while others can have symptoms, such as palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
Arrhythmias can occur because of disease of the heart muscle, valves, electrical system, or arteries to the heart (coronary arteries).
Palpitations can be evaluated with testing, such as blood tests, echocardiogram, EKG, Holter monitor, treadmill testing, and tests of the coronary arteries.
Palpitations can be relieved in many patients by stress reduction, quitting smoking, and reduction of caffeine and alcohol.

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Lopressor Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metoprolol (Lopressor)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to metoprolol, or if you have a serious heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

pheochromocytoma;
problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome);
congestive heart failure;
asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;
diabetes;
low blood pressure;
depression;
liver or kidney disease;
a thyroid disorder; or
myasthenia gravis.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether metoprolol is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, 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 (Lopressor)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

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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