Toprol and Low Blood Sugar

Taking Toprol-XL can lower blood sugar levels. Infants, children, and people with kidney disease or diabetes are among those most likely to experience low blood sugar while taking Toprol-XL. Low blood sugar can result in symptoms such as shakiness, cold sweats, extreme hunger, seizures, and loss of consciousness. If you experience possible symptoms of low blood sugar with Toprol-XL, call your healthcare provider right away or seek emergency medical attention.

 

Does Toprol-XL Cause Low Blood Sugar?

Low blood sugar levels have been reported in people taking Toprol-XL® (metoprolol succinate) or other beta blockers. This side effect of Toprol-XL tends to be more common in infants, children, and people with kidney disease or diabetes. It is also more likely to occur while fasting (such as before surgery) or after prolonged exercise.
 

Toprol-XL and Low Blood Sugar Symptoms

Low blood sugar symptoms can vary depending on a number of factors, including how low the blood sugar levels are.
 Early signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include:
 
  • Sweating
  • Shakiness
  • Extreme hunger
  • Dizziness
  • Cold sweats
  • Blurry vision.
     
More severe symptoms of low blood sugar can include:
 
  • Changes in behavior, such as irritability
  • Loss of coordination
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma
  • Loss of life.
     
Two other symptoms that can occur in people with low blood sugar are an increase in heart rate and high blood pressure; however, these particular symptoms may not occur in people taking Toprol-XL because of the effects of the medicine.
 
(Toprol and Low Blood Sugar Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;