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 appear to be among them. Dry eyes were experienced by less than 1 percent of patients taking the drug in clinical trials. If you are taking Toprol-XL and dry eyes become a problem, there are things you can do that may provide relief. For example, try blinking your eyes often while reading, avoiding smoke, and protecting your eyes from breezes or wind.

 

Toprol-XL and Dry Eyes: An Overview

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

Suggestions for Dry Eye Relief With Toprol-XL

If you develop dry eyes while taking Toprol-XL, there are some things that you can do.
 Some suggestions that may provide relief from dry eyes 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:
o Antihistamines
o Decongestants
o Diuretics
o Some diarrhea medicine
o Some antipsychotic drugs
o Tranquilizers
o Some blood pressure medications, including ACE inhibitors and other beta blockers
If you experience dry eyes while taking Toprol-XL and the suggestions above do not help, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. There are other treatments that he or she may be able to recommend -- such as eye ointments or Lacrisert® inserts -- that can provide dry eye relief. He or she may also recommend trying another medicine to see if your symptoms improve.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;