What Does the Research Say About Toprol-XL and Pregnancy?

Studies of Toprol-XL involving pregnant rats showed an increased risk for postimplantation loss and death shortly after birth in doses up to 55 times the normal human dose. No birth defects were reported; however, animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do.

 

There has been little human research conducted on the effects of Toprol-XL or any other beta blockers on the fetus. With other beta blockers, there have been individual reports of slowed intrauterine growth, small placentas, and birth defects in women who took such medications during pregnancy. There have also been reports of a very low heart rate, low blood sugar, and/or decreased breathing in some women who used beta blockers during childbirth. These problems have not been specifically reported with Toprol-XL, and there have been many women over the years who have taken Toprol-XL during pregnancy without any problems.

 

Toprol-XL and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

The FDA has given Toprol-XL a pregnancy Category C classification in response to the results of animal studies and the sporadic reports of problems that occurred when other beta blockers were taken during pregnancy. Toprol-XL could potentially cause harm to your unborn child, but the exact risk is not known.

 

If you become pregnant (or are thinking of becoming pregnant) while taking Toprol-XL, let your healthcare provider know immediately. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks associated with Toprol-XL before making a recommendation for your particular situation. Together, you and your healthcare provider can then decide what is best for you and your child.