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metoprolol extended-release - oral, Toprol XL

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GENERIC NAME: METOPROLOL EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL (met-oh-PRO-lol)

BRAND NAME(S): Toprol XL

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: If you have chest pain (angina) or heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure), do not stop using this drug without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this drug, you must gradually decrease your dose according to your doctor's instructions.

When gradually stopping this medication, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease strain on the heart. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: worsening chest pain, tightness or pressure in the chest, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, sweating, trouble breathing or fast/irregular heartbeat.

USES: This medication is a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain (angina), heart failure, and high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.This drug works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body (such as epinephrine) that affect the heart and blood vessels. This results in a lowering of heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used for irregular heartbeats, migraine headache prevention, and after an acute heart attack to improve survival.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Some brands of this medication (those containing metoprolol tartrate) may be better absorbed when you take them with or right after a meal. Follow your doctor's directions for your brand, and take it the same way at the same time each day. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.Do not crush or chew the tablet. Do not break tablets unless they have a score line. You may split scored tablets if your doctor instructs you to do so. However, swallow the whole or half tablet without crushing or chewing.This drug is not effective if you use it only when chest pain or a migraine headache occurs. It is very important to take this medication regularly as prescribed to help prevent these conditions.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It may take 1 or 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Refer to the Warning section.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.