Toprol XL (Metoprolol Succinate)

Toprol XL Information:

The tablets contain 23.75mg, 47.5 mg, 95 mg and 190 mg of metoprolol succinate equivalent to 50, 100 and 200 mg of metoprolol tartrate, USP,tablets are scored and can be cut in half.

Toprol XL (generic name: Metoprolol Succinate) is a drug which is prescribed for the treatment of angina and high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It is also used for the treatment and prevention of heart attack. Toprol XL belongs to the group of drugs called beta blockers. It reduces the risk of stroke, heart disease and early death caused by angina and hypertension. It works by affecting the chemical receptors in your heart. When you are under stress, or feeling excitement, your body releases chemicals from the brain such as adrenaline. These chemicals normally attach to receptors in your heart, which causes your heart to work faster and harder, thus increasing blood pressure. Toprol XL helps to prevent adrenaline from attaching to the receptors, which helps to keep your heart rate and blood pressure low and under control. Toprol XL also helps to widen the blood vessels in the body which helps the blood to flow more freely and this ensure that sufficient oxygen gets to the heart. Hypertension often carries no symptoms and it is therefore important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially after age 60. Angina symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain and pain in the arms as well as fatigue and dizziness. Toprol XL is formulated in extended-release tablet, administered once a day for 24 hour blood pressure control.

Toprol XL Side Effects:

As with any drug, there may be side effects from taking Toprol XL including constipation, dirrhea, dry mouth, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, fatigue, low libido, impotence, inability to orgasm, insomnia, nervous feeling and anxiety. More serious side effects may include feeling faint or light headed, chest pain, changes in heartbeat, palpitations (fluttering heartbeat feeling), swollen hands and/or feet, nausea, upset stomach, itchy skin, changes in appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin around eyes, hands and feet), depression, confusion, memory loss or difficulty with memory, hallucinations, feeling cold in hands and feet, easy bruising, unusual bleeding from orifices and difficulty breathing. If you experience any side effects you must seek medical attention immediately for safety.

Toprol XL Directions:

You should follow the instructions of the doctor who prescribed Toprol XL to you. Directions and dosage information can also be found on the pack or leaflet inside the pack. Toprol XL comes in tablet form. You should swallow Toprol XL whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets as they are designed to release the drug at a specific rate, chewing or crushing may cause too much of the drug to be released at once which may have unfavourable effects. Take Toprol XL with food or just after a meal. Toprol XL should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not stop taking Toprol XL without first consulting your doctor as this may have unfavourable effects.

Toprol XL Precautions:

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Toprol XL, you should avoid taking it and inform your doctor. You must consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions including heart failure, circulation problems, depression, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, thyroid disorders, severe allergies, asthma or other respiratory condition and pheochromocytoma. You must consult your doctor if you are taking any other medications as they may interact with Toprol XL, including digoxin, clonidine, ritonavir, terbinafine, cold and flu medications, diruretics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, MAOIs, insulin and diabetic medication, heart medications, medication for asthma and other respiratory disorders and anti-malarials. It is important that you inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding as Toprol XL may cause harm to unborn and new born babies.