Toprol XL (metoprolol XL)

Toprol XL Description

Toprol XL is the brand name under which Metoprolol is marketed in the United States by AstraZeneca. It is a drug used mainly for the treatment of the following three conditions: Hypertension, Angina Pectoris and Heart Failure. It is also prescribed for off-label use in anxiety related disorders such as social anxiety disorder, performance anxiety, etc. Metoprolol has a very short half-life. Therefore, it is usually taken as an extended-release tablet. It is capable of reacting with other drugs and therefore the intake of this drug is very carefully monitored.

Conditions Treated by Toprol XL

It is a Beta-receptor-blocker and blocks the beta-1 receptors present in the heart. The effect of Toprol XL is antagonistic to that of epinephrine and norepinephrine, i.e. it inhibits the activity of epinephrine and epinephrine. Physiologically, this leads to reduced exertion on the heart. It leads to reduced contraction of the cardiac muscles and consequently a drop in the blood pressure. Toprol XL therefore is an excellent medicine for treatment of Hypertension, Angina Pectoris and Heart Failure.

For the treatment of hypertension, Toprol XL may be administered alone or in combination with other hypertensive drugs. In angina pectoris, the coronary arteries are constricted leading to lack of oxygen supply to the blood vessels. This causes severe chest pain. Toprol XL is used for the long-term treatment of this and also to build up tolerance to resistance and to prevent angina attacks in the long run.

Toprol XL Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

For adults with hypertension the usual dosage is 25 to 100mg given as a single dose, daily. Over a period, this dosage may be increased until the desired blood pressure reduction is obtained. Also due to the low half-life of Metoprolol, it is administered in the form of an extended-release tablet and is to be administered once a day.

For Angina Pectoris, the doses have to be individualized. The initial standard dose id 100mg administered as a single dose, daily. Again, the dosage should be increased gradually until the desired clinical response is achieved. For discontinuing the drug, some precautions are necessary.

For heart patients at risk of heart failure the doses must be carefully increased by means of titration. For heart failure therapy, Toprol XL is usually used in combination with some other drug. You need to standardize the dosage of the other drug before moving on to Toprol. If the patient has had a NHYA class II failure, then you may start with 25mg once a day for up to two weeks. You can then double the dose every two weeks to 200mg of Toprol XL or the highest limit tolerated by the patient.

The drug is available in the market in the form of tablets, which are available in the following doses: 25, 50, 100 and 200mg.

b.) Missing A Dose

In case, you have forgotten to take your medication on time, then have it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not overdose to make up for the missed dose, as this can be harmful.

c.) Overdosing

The effects of an overdose of Toprol XL depends on a number of factors such as the excess dosage, whether it was combined with other drugs, alcohol etc. You may experience a wide range of symptoms including Nausea, vomiting, extremely low blood pressure, decrease in heart rate etc. It is very important that you seek medical attention immediately.

Toprol XL Warnings

Abruptly discontinuing medication may lead to aggravation of angina pectoris and occurrence of myocardial infarction. This is to be avoided. The patient must slowly be taken off the drug. The dosage should be reduced over a period of 1-2 weeks and at the same time, the patient should be monitored too. In case the angina is aggravated then put the patient back on Toprol XL and take measures for treatment of the Angina.

When you are up-titrating for determining the dosage for patients at risk of heart-failure, heart failure may occur. In such a situation, administer diuretics to the patient and restore clinical stability. Once this has been done, you may advance the dose of Toprol XL once again.

If the patient has bronchospastic diseases such as COPD or asthma, then the patient must not be given Toprol XL or only as a last resort. If a person is going to undergo surgery, then a high-dose course of Toprol XL must not be commenced. For a person who has some kind of hepatic impairment, the drug must be initiated at a dose lower than the normal value.

Toprol XL Side Effects

Toprol XL is a very well tolerated drug and most of the people do not get any side effects after being administered the drug. Some people however do develop some side effects of the drug. The side effects of the drug can be categorized into two. The less serious short-term side effects include:

• dizziness
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• vision problems

The more serious side effects of the drug include:

• slow heart rate
• discoloration of the digits
• fainting
• sexual dysfunction

Possible Drug Interactions With Toprol XL

Toprol XL is known to interact with a large number of drugs. It is therefore very important that you provide your doctor or pharmacist with the details of all the drugs that you use. This will help prevent any untoward accidents. Toprol XL can interact with:

• calcium channel blockers such as:
  • Isoptin (verapamil)
  • Glucotrol (glipizide) and insulin.
• Epipen (epinephrine)
• Catapres (clonidine)

Toprol XL has also been known to interact with antidepressants such as reserpine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. These drugs are known to deplete catecholamine. When administered along with Toprol XL, they are known to have an additive effect. Certain enzymes in the liver remove metoprolol from the body. Drugs such as Cordarone (amiodarone) that affect these enzymes in the liver can cause Toprol XL to interact.

If you have any questions about buying discount Toprol XL online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.