Common use
Toprol acts mostly by blocking beta-adrenoreceptors of the heart and is used to treat hypertension, chest pain (angina), abnormal rhythms of the heart, and to treat and prevent myocardial infarction. This medication influences the autonomic nervous system, which stipulates increased heart rate by blocking its receptors and thus reducing abnormally rapid heart rhythms. It also diminishes myocardial irritability, cardiac output, and causes other effects.
Dosage and direction
This medication should be taken with food or just after a meal. Do not chew, squash, or break a tablet; drink a glass of water with it. Dosage depends on the treated disease and may vary between 100-450 mg daily. Your individual dosage should be prescribed by your physician. Aged patients are recommended to start with a 50 mg daily dose. Kidney failure does not require a dosage correction, while liver failure requires the usage of other beta-adrenoblockers that are not metabolized in the liver.
Precautions
Avoid drinking alcohol, as its interaction with Toprol increases drowsiness and dizziness.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the components of the medication, acute or chronic heart failure, arterial hypotension, congestive heart failure, asthma or other breathing problems, diabetes, disorders of peripheral blood circulation, pregnancy, breast-feeding, depression, liver or kidney disease, a thyroid disorder, or myasthenia gravis.
Possible side effect
In addition to common tolerance to the medication, the following side effects may be noticed: abdominal cramps, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, depression, memory loss, fever, impotence, lightheadedness, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, cold extremities, sore throat, diarrhea, constipation, and shortness of breath or wheezing.
Drug interaction
Attention should be paid to the intake of calcium channel blockers and digoxin (Lanoxin), which are known for their dangerous lowering of blood pressure and heart rate when administered together with Toprol.
Toprol is also able to mask the early symptoms of low blood sugar and should be used with caution in patients suffering from diabetes.
Missed dose
Take the forgotten dose when you remember. If your next dose is less than 4 hours away, skip it and return to your schedule. Do not try to compensate for a missed dose by taking an extra one.
Overdose
In case such symptoms of Toprol are noticed: uneven heartbeats, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness or fainting, bluish-colored fingernails, seek immediate medical help.
Storage
Store between 15-30°C (59-86°F). Protect this drug from moisture and keep it in a tight, light-resistant container.
Disclaimer
We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim the reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for the consequences of self-treatment.