Brand Name: Lopressor, Toprol XL
Generic Name: metoprolol
Drug Class: Thiazide Combos
What is metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), and what is it used for?
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker (beta-adrenergic blocking agent) used for the treatment of:
- High blood pressure
- Heart pain
- Congestive heart failure
- Hyperthyroidism
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Some neurologic conditions.
Metoprolol's off-label use is to prevent migraine headaches.
- Metoprolol is used to treat:
- High blood pressure (hypertension
- Congestive heart failure
- Angina pectoris (heart pain) related to coronary artery disease.
- Metoprolol also is useful in slowing and regulating certain types of abnormally rapid heart rates (tachycardias).
- Other uses for metoprolol include:
- Preventing migraine headaches
- Treatment of hyperthyroidism and certain types of tremors
What are the side effects of metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)?
Metoprolol is generally well tolerated. Side effects include:
- abdominal cramps,
- diarrhea,
- constipation,
- fatigue,
- insomnia,
- indigestion,
- nausea,
- depression,
- dreaming,
- memory loss,
- fever,
- impotence,
- lightheadedness,
- low blood pressure,
- decreased exercise tolerance,
- increased triglycerides,
- bronchospasm,
- cold extremities,
- sore throat, and
- shortness of breath or wheezing.
Possible serious adverse effects include:
- slow heart rate,
- Raynaud's phenomenon,
- hepatitis, and
- increased insulin resistance.
Metoprolol can aggravate breathing difficulties in patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.
WARNING
- In patients with existing slow heart rates (bradycardias) and heart blocks (defects in the electrical conduction of the heart), metoprolol can cause dangerously slow heart rates and even shock. Metoprolol reduces the force of heart muscle contraction and can aggravate symptoms of heart failure. In patients with coronary artery disease, abruptly stopping metoprolol can suddenly worsen angina, and occasionally precipitate heart attacks. If it is necessary to discontinue metoprolol, its dosage should be reduced gradually over several weeks.
- Initiation of high-dose extended-release metoprolol in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery is associated with bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension, stroke, and death. However, long-term therapy with metoprolol should not be routinely withdrawn before major surgery. The impaired ability of the heart to respond to reflex adrenergic stimuli may increase the risks of general anesthesia and surgery.

SLIDESHOW
How to Lower Blood Pressure: Exercise and Tips See SlideshowWhat is the dosage for metoprolol?
- Metoprolol should be taken before meals or at bedtime.
- The dose for treating hypertension is 100-450 mg daily in single or divided doses.
- Angina is treated with 100-400 mg daily in two divided doses.
- Heart attack (acute myocardial infarction) is treated with three 5 mg injections administered 2 minutes apart followed by treatment with 50 mg oral metoprolol every 6 hours for 48 hours. After 48 hours, patients should receive 100 mg orally twice daily for at least 3 months.
- The dose for congestive heart failure is 25 mg/daily initially. Then the dose is increased every 2 weeks to reach a target dose of 200 mg/daily orally.
- Hyperthyroidism is treated with 25 to 30 mg by mouth every 6 hours.
What drugs interact with metoprolol?
- Calcium channel blockers and digoxin (Lanoxin) can lower blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels when administered together with metoprolol.
- Metoprolol can mask the early warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and should be used with caution in patients receiving diabetes treatment.
- Fluoxetine (Prozac) can increase blood levels of metoprolol by reducing the breakdown of metoprolol and increasing the side effects of metoprolol.
Is metoprolol safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
- Safe use of metoprolol during pregnancy has not been established.
- Small quantities of metoprolol are excreted in breast milk and may potentially cause adverse effects in the infant.
Summary
Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent drug, which blocks the action of the sympathetic nervous system (a portion of the involuntary nervous system). Metoprolol is prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart pain (angina), heart rhythm disorders, and some neurological conditions. Side effects include fever, impotence, sore throat, nausea, depression, insomnia, constipation, memory loss, and high blood pressure.
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Can Drinking Water Lower Your Blood Pressure?
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Portal Hypertension
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What Are the Top Drinks to Lower Blood Pressure?
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Why Does Alcohol Cause Hypertension?
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Can High Blood Pressure Hurt My Eyes?
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What Can I Eat To Lower My Blood Pressure Immediately?
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What Is Normal Blood Pressure by Age?
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What Are the Signs Your Blood Pressure Is Too High?
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What Are Abnormal Blood Pressure Number Ranges?
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Can I Check My Blood Pressure With My Phone?
The force of the blood against the walls of the blood vessels carrying blood from the heart to other sites in the body (the arteries) is called blood pressure. The heart pumps blood into the arteries as it contracts (systole).
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What Will Happen if Your Blood Pressure is Too High?
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Heart Attack Prevention
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What Are the New Blood Pressure Guidelines for Seniors?
Hypertension or high blood pressure (high BP) is a medical condition where the pressure in the blood vessels is persistently elevated. The heart pumps blood into the arteries, which circulate blood to all parts of the body. In cases of high blood pressure, the heart has to work harder to push the blood column ahead.
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What Is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?
High blood pressure or hypertension is when the blood pressure readings consistently range from 140 or higher for systolic or 90 or higher for diastolic. Blood pressure readings above 180/120 mmHg are dangerously high and require immediate medical attention.
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Is Pseudotumor Cerebri the Same as Intracranial Hypertension?
Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is also called idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The condition causes symptoms similar to a brain tumor.
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What Is “Normal” Blood Pressure?
Normal blood pressure is when the pressure is less than or upto 120/80 mmHg. The value 120 denotes the systolic pressure, and the value 80 denotes the diastolic pressure.
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What Can You Do For Treatment if Your Blood Pressure Is Too Low?
Learn what medical treatments can help with your low blood pressure and speed up your recovery.
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High Blood Pressure Symptoms
Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. In some patients, symptoms may include fatigue, headaches, dizziness, confusion, sweating, chest pain and vision problems.
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How Does High Blood Pressure Affect Pregnancy?
High blood pressure during pregnancy can cause serious complications. Learn more about the signs of and risks associated with the condition.
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What Is the Proper Way to Take Your Blood Pressure?
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Treatment & Diagnosis
- Tremors
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Enlarged Heart
- Palpitations
- Tachycardia
- Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
- Hyperthyroidism
- Migraine
- Arrhythmia
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
- Aortic Dissection
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Mitral Valve Prolapse
- Heart Disease
- Orthopnea
- Portal Hypertension
- Doctor: Checklist to Take To Your Doctor's Appointment
- Heart Failure
- High Blood Pressure FAQs
- Heart Disease FAQs
- Thyroid FAQs
- Salt FAQs
- Atrial Fibrillation A-Fib FAQs
- Heart Failure FAQs
- High Blood Pressure Symptoms
- Medication Disposal
- Dangers of Mixing Medications
- Hypertension In The Elderly - Deserves More Attention
- How To Reduce Your Medication Costs
- Salt, DASH, High Blood Pressure
- Pharmacy Visit, How To Get The Most Out of Your Visit
- High Blood Pressure and Exercise
- Indications for Drugs: Approved vs. Non-approved
- Beta Blockers: Why Take a Beta Blocker?
- High Blood Pressure: Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- Inherited High Blood Pressure in a Teenager
- Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely
- Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
- What Does Hypertension Urgency Mean?
- Does Menopause Cause High Blood Pressure?
- Can I Lift Weights with High Blood Pressure?
- Pain Relievers and High Blood Pressure
- Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?
- Heart Healthy Diet: Hypertension & Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure: Improve Your Lifestyle
Medications & Supplements
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Beta Blockers
- Drug Interactions
- Types of High Blood Pressure Medications
- Beta Blocker Side Effects (Adverse Effects)
- propranolol, Inderal, Inderal LA, Innopran XL
- Congestive Heart Failure Medications
- atenolol
- bisoprolol (Zebeta)
- Side Effects of Lopressor (metoprolol)
- erenumab (Aimovig)
- timolol ophthalmic solution (Timoptic)
- bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide (Ziac)
- nadolol (Corgard)
- timolol (Betimol)
- Sectral (acebutolol)
Prevention & Wellness

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.