Toprol and Dry Eyes

There a number of rare but possible side effects that may occur with the use of Toprol-XL, and dry eyes appears to be among them. Dry eyes was experienced by less than 1 percent of people taking the drug in clinical trials. If you experience this particular side effects, things that may provide relief include blinking your eyes often while reading, avoiding smoke, and protecting your eyes from breezes or wind.

Does Toprol-XL Cause Dry Eyes?

Toprol-XL® (metoprolol succinate) is a prescription medication that is used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions. Dry eyes appears to be among the less common side effects seen with this drug. In clinical trials of Toprol-XL, dry eyes occurred in less than 1 percent of people taking the medication.
 

Dry Eyes With Toprol-XL: Treatment Suggestions

If you develop dry eyes while taking Toprol-XL, there are some things that you can do.
 Some suggestions that may provide relief include the following:
 
  • Don't use artificial tears that irritate your eyes. Try another brand or preparation; non-preserved drops may be more comfortable.
     
  • Blink several times a minute while reading or working on the computer.
     
  • Protect your eyes from drafts, breezes, and wind.
     
  • Put a humidifier in the rooms where you spend the most time (including the bedroom), or install a humidifier in your heating and air conditioning unit.
     
  • Don't smoke, and stay out of smoky rooms.
     
  • Apply mascara only to the tips of your lashes so it doesn't get in your eyes. If you use eyeliner or eye shadow, put it only on the skin above your lashes, not on the sensitive skin under your lashes or close to your eyes.
     
  • Ask your doctor whether any of your other medications contribute to dryness and, if so, how to reduce that effect. Some medications that can cause dry eyes include:
 
 

Add
Email
Print
(Toprol and Dry Eyes Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
Referring Pages Articles