Toprol XL: Uses, indications and precautions when using

Toprol medicine contains Metoprolol Succinate, a beta blocker that affects the heart and circulation, indicated in the treatment of angina and hypertension. Some evidence suggests that the drug has the potential to reduce the risk of death or hospitalization for heart failure.

Toprol XL is a beta blocker used to treat angina attacks, heart failure, and high blood pressure. The benefits of lowering blood pressure will help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in the body like epinephrine that affect the heart and blood vessels. This reduces heart rate, blood pressure and stress on the heart.

Toprol XL is usually taken by mouth, once a day. Some brands of this medicine (those containing metoprolol tartrate) may be better absorbed when taken with or immediately after a meal. Other brands (containing metoprolol succinate) may be taken with or without food.
The drug is used as a whole, the structure of the tablet helps the ingredients in the tablet to be released slowly, limiting the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they are graduated. If the patient has difficulty swallowing, the capsule can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a spoonful of soft food such as soup or porridge. Swallow the mixture of medicine and food without chewing. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking the medication, as alcohol can interfere with the release of the drug and increase the risk of side effects.

The starting dose is always the lowest and gradually increase the dose at a slow rate, then to minimize the possible side effects. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In addition, patients need to take the drug regularly every day to get the most effective treatment. To make it easier to remember, take the medicine at the same time of day. Do not suddenly stop taking Toprol XL without consulting your doctor as the condition may become worse when stopping the medicine suddenly.
For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take several weeks before the full benefit of this medicine is received. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel their blood pressure rise above normal. Therefore, always take the medicine regularly even if there are no symptoms.
To prevent chest pain, heart attack or migraine, it is important to take Toprol XL regularly as prescribed. This medicine should not be used to treat chest pain or migraines when they are occurring. Instead, use other medications for sudden pain as directed by your doctor, such as nitroglycerin tablets placed under the tongue to relieve chest pain.

Toprol XL may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea and slow heart rate. Decreased sexual ability has been reported but is rare. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up from a sitting or lying position. In addition, the drug can reduce blood flow to the hands and feet, making the person feel cold. This symptom will be more severe if the patient is accompanied by smoking. Therefore, the patient should dress warmly and avoid using tobacco.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medicine after assessing that the benefits outweigh the risk of side effects. Most people who use Toprol XL have no serious side effects.

during and after using this medicine, tell your doctor right away if any of these side effects occur, such as very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, purple fingertips, trouble breathing, episodes acute or new-onset heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swollen ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain), mental/mood changes (such as confusion, mood swings, depression).
The possibility of a very serious allergic reaction to this medicine is very rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Before taking metoprolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or to other beta blockers (such as atenolol, propranolol); or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, if you have any, especially of: certain types of heart rhythm problems (such as bradycardia, second-degree or second-degree atrioventricular block). three, sick sinus syndrome), breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), liver disease, severe allergic reactions, including those requiring treatment with epinephrine, blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's syndrome, peripheral vascular disease), mental/mood disorders (such as depression), a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis) muscle).
If the person has diabetes, the medicine may mask the fast/pounding heart rate usually felt when blood sugar drops too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness and sweating, are not affected by this medicine. What's more, Toprol XL can also make it harder for you to control your blood sugar. Therefore, it is important to check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor and let your doctor know if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as extreme thirst/urination.

Toprol XL may make you dizzy or drowsy. Therefore, the patient should not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until it is safe to do so. Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages.
During pregnancy, Toprol XL should only be used when there is a clear diagnosis with essential indications from cardiovascular diseases, in order to minimize harm to the fetus. In addition, Toprol XL also passes into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breast-feeding while taking this medicine.

Drug interactions can change the way a drug works or increase the risk of serious side effects. One product that may interact with this drug is: fingolimod. In addition, other medicines can affect how metoprolol is eliminated from your body, affecting how it works. Examples include lumefantrine, propafenone, quinidine, and SSRI antidepressants (such as fluoxetine, paroxetine).
In summary, the drug toprol XL has the effect of controlling blood pressure and heart rate in cardiovascular diseases. During the course of medication, to help monitor drug response more closely, detect side effects early, patients need to regularly check blood pressure and pulse (heart rate) and record the results as well as other symptoms. unusual signs to report to the doctor during each follow-up visit.

Reference source: webmd.com