Lopressor (Metoprolol)

Common uses

This medicine is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and angina pectoris (chest pain). It is also used after a heart attack to improve survival. Controlling high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Warning: if you have angina or have had heart problems, do not suddenly stop using Lopressor without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use Lopressor, you must stop Lopressor gradually according to your doctor's instructions.

Do not take Lopressor if you are also taking mibefradil. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking amiodarone, barbiturates, birth control pills, cimetidine, disopyramide, flecainide, indomethacin, methimazole, propylthiouracil, quinidine, or verapamil. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Use of Lopressor is not recommended if you have a history of heart block. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Lopressor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using Lopressor provided by your doctor. Take Lopressor either always with food or always on an empty stomach at the same time(s) each day.

Store Lopressor at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of Lopressor, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not stop taking Lopressor without checking with your doctor. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Lopressor. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Lopressor. Before taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines used to treat colds or congestion. If your doctor has instructed you to check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly, be sure to do so.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Lopressor during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Lopressor, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. For patients with diabetes mellitus: Lopressor may mask signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heartbeat. Check blood glucose levels regularly.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include mild drowsiness; lightheadedness or dizziness; or unusual tiredness or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience difficulty breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include very slow heart rate, severe dizziness, fainting, weakness, and difficult or slowed breathing.

Additional information

Do not share Lopressor with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use Lopressor for other health conditions. Keep Lopressor out of the reach of children. If using Lopressor for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Lopressor. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.