Toprol XL (Metoprolol Succinate) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Toprol XL

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) »

What is mitral valve prolapse?

Mitral valve prolapse (also known as "click murmur syndrome" and "Barlow's syndrome") is the most common heart valve abnormality, affecting five to ten percent of the world population. A normal mitral valve consists of two thin leaflets, located between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart. Mitral valve leaflets, shaped like parachutes, are attached to the inner wall of the left ventricle by a series of strings called "chordae." When the ventricles contract, the mitral valve leaflets close snugly and prevent the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium. When the ventricles relax, the valves open to allow oxygenated blood from the lungs to fill the left ventricle.

In patients with mitral valve prolapse, the mitral apparatus (valve leaflets and chordae) becomes affected by a process called myxomatous degeneration. In myxomatous degeneration, the structural protein collagen forms abnormally and caus...

Read the Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) article »

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Toprol XL

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Toprol XL Patient Information including How Should I Take

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

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 (Toprol XL)?

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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