Lopressor
® (
metoprolol tartrate) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called
beta blockers.
Lopressor is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
What Is Lopressor Used For?
This medication has been licensed to treat a number of conditions.
These uses include:
This medication may also be recommended for other reasons, such as the treatment for
migraines or
anxiety. Lopressor has not been licensed for use in children, but it is often used
off-label to treat specific conditions seen in children, such as
Marfan syndrome.
(Click Lopressor Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Lopressor is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or
beta blockers for short. As the name implies, beta blockers work by blocking beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the heart and blood vessels. These receptors are what stress hormones (such as adrenaline) attach to, and they cause certain reactions in the body, such as an increase in:
Lopressor helps to block a specific type of beta receptor called beta-1 receptors. By blocking these receptors, the medication causes the reverse effect of these stress hormones. It decreases heart rate and both
systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as the workload of the heart. This means that the heart requires less blood and oxygen to work properly.
Lopressor is a beta-1 selective (or cardioselective) beta blocker. This means that it mostly blocks beta-1 receptors, especially at normal doses. However, it can block beta-2 receptors in the lungs to some extent, especially at higher dosages. This can lead to breathing problems, especially in people with
asthma or similar conditions.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take Lopressor include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form and is usually taken once or twice a day. It is also available in injectable form that is given by IV.
- Lopressor should be taken along with, or immediately after, a meal.
- Lopressor should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For this medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Lopressor will not work if you stop taking it.
- You should not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping Lopressor increases the risk of serious side effects (see Lopressor Precautions and Warnings).
The dose of Lopressor your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking
- How you respond to the drug.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Lopressor
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Lopressor. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
(Click
Lopressor Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
Lopressor can potentially interact with a number of other medicines
(see Lopressor Interactions for more information).
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Lopressor?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
You should also tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines,
antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Lopressor may have overdose symptoms that could include but are not limited to:
- Extremely low blood pressure (hypotension)
- A severe decrease in heart rate (bradycardia)
- Difficulty breathing
- Congestive heart failure.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Lopressor Be Stored?
Lopressor should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. The tablets should be kept in an airtight, light-resistant container.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Lopressor as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose.
Lopressor tablets come in a number of strengths, including:
- Lopressor 50 mg
- Lopressor 100 mg.
The medication also comes in an injectable form that is given by IV.
Lopressor is available as a generic medicine
(see Generic Lopressor for more information).
