Lopressor

Lopressor (Metoprolol)

Lopressor

Metoprolol tablet

What is it used for?

METOPROLOL is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers reduce the heart workload and help it to beat more regularly. This medicine is used for the treatment of high blood pressure and prevention of chest pains. It is also used after the heart attack in order to prevent additional attacks from occurring.

What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

• diabetes
• heart or vessel disease like slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome or Raynaud's disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
• pheochromocytoma
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to metoprolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How is this medicine should be taken?

Take this medicine orally accompanied with a drink of water. You should follow the directions available on the prescription label. This medicine should be taken immediately after meals. Your doses should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take more of this medicine than you are prescribed. Neither should you halt taking this medicine abruptly. This could lead to a severe consequences including serious damage to your heart.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine/food/etc?

Do not take this medicine with the following:

• sotalol

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• clonidine
• digoxin
• dobutamine
• epinephrine
• isoproterenol
• medicine to control heart rhythm like quinidine, propafenone
• medicine for depression like monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, fluoxetine, and paroxetine
• medicine for high blood pressure like calcium channel blockers
• reserpine

This list is not all-inclusive and may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.

Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking it?

Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo the necessary check-ups. Contact your doctor right away if your symptoms get worse. Your blood pressure and pulse rate should be checked regularly during the treatment course with this medicine. Inquire with your health care professional of what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be, and under what circumstances should you contact them.

You may experience drowsiness or dizziness symptoms. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how exactly this medicine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness or fainting spells. Contact your doctor if these symptoms continue. Alcohol may cause interference with this medicine’s effect. Refrain from using alcohol at all costs.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives
• cold or numb hands or feet
• depression
• difficulty breathing
• faint
• fever with sore throat
• irregular heartbeat, chest pains
• rapid weight gain
• swollen legs or ankles

The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):

• anxiety or nervousness
• change in sex drive or performance
• dry skin
• headache
• nightmares or trouble sleeping
• short term memory loss
• stomach upset or diarrhea
• unusually tired

Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.

This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.