Toprol-XL

Effects of Toprol-XL

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. In people who took Toprol-XL in clinical studies, systolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 6 to 8 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 4 to 7 mmHg, on average. The higher the dose, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be. By lowering blood pressure, Toprol-XL can also decrease the risks that accompany long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). By decreasing the workload of the heart, the medication can decrease the number of angina attacks and increase exercise tolerance.
 
For people with congestive heart failure, the effects of Toprol-XL on the heart and blood vessels have been shown to result in a decrease in hospitalizations and loss of life from CHF.
 

When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Toprol-XL include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. You take it once a day.
     
  • Take Toprol-XL with or immediately after a meal.
     
  • The tablets should not be crushed or chewed because they are extended-release tablets. However, they may be cut in half (along the score line) without causing any problems.
 
  • Take Toprol-XL at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Toprol-XL will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • You should not stop Toprol-XL without first discussing it with your healthcare provider. Stopping the medication abruptly increases the risk for serious side effects (see Toprol-XL Precautions and Warnings).
     
Toprol-XL Article Continues on Next Page >

<< Previous12345Next >>

Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation