Lopressor is a drug used to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. This eMedTV page covers some specific uses of the prescription drug (such as relieving angina symptoms), as well as its effects, dosing tips, and strengths.
Some common side effects of Lopressor include itching, dizziness, and a slow heart rate. This page of the eMedTV site also offers a list of serious side effects that require medical attention, as well as rare side effects that may be related to the drug.
Lopressor is licensed to treat high blood pressure and angina and to improve survival after a heart attack. This eMedTV page also lists off-label Lopressor uses, such as the treatment of anxiety or arrhythmias and treating Marfan syndrome in children.
For high blood pressure control, the starting Lopressor dosage is 100 mg once daily or 50 mg twice daily. This eMedTV Web page also lists the dose for relieving angina symptoms and covers dosing guidelines following a heart attack.
This eMedTV resource provides a list of medicines that may interact negatively with Lopressor, including fluoxetine, terbinafine, and NSAIDs. Drug interactions with Lopressor can change how your body metabolizes the drugs, among other things.
You should not take Lopressor if you have sick sinus syndrome. This eMedTV article offers other Lopressor precautions and warnings, including more information on who should not take the drug and possible side effects to look out for.
This page on the eMedTV site explains that there may be an increased risk to the fetus if Lopressor is used during pregnancy, but the exact risk is unknown. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, you should let your doctor know right away.
People who overdose on Lopressor may experience tiredness, a decrease in breathing, or even death. This eMedTV article lists other possible symptoms of an overdose, as well as treatment options used to relieve symptoms (such as pumping the stomach).
This eMedTV page gives an overview of generic Lopressor, which is manufactured by a number of companies (including Sandoz) and is available in several strengths (such as 50 mg). The medication is sold under the name Metoprolol Tartrate tablets.
