Toprol-XL

Toprol-XL is a prescription drug that is used to control high blood pressure, relieve angina symptoms, and treat congestive heart failure. As a beta blocker, the medication works by reversing the effect of certain stress hormones. Common side effects of Toprol-XL include dizziness, slow heart rate, diarrhea, and tiredness. The drug comes in tablet form and is available in four different strengths.

 

What Is Toprol-XL?

Toprol-XL® (metoprolol succinate) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called beta blockers.
 

Who Makes It?

Toprol-XL is manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.
 

What Is Toprol-XL Used For?

Toprol-XL has been licensed to treat a number of conditions. These uses include:
 
However, the medication does not cure high blood pressure, angina, or congestive heart failure.
 
A healthcare provider may recommend the medication for other reasons, such as treatment for migraines or anxiety. Toprol-XL has not been licensed for use in children, although it is often used to treat specific conditions in children.
 
(Click Toprol-XL Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
 

How Does It Work?

Toprol-XL is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta blockers for short.
 As the name implies, beta blockers block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the heart and blood vessels. These receptors are what stress hormones (such as adrenaline) attach to, and they cause certain reactions in the body, such as an increase in:
 
Toprol-XL helps to block a specific type of beta receptor called beta-1 receptors. As a result, the medication causes the reverse effect of these stress hormones. It decreases heart rate and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as the workload of the heart. This means that the heart requires less blood and oxygen to work properly. Toprol-XL also increases the efficiency of the heart, allowing more blood to be pumped out to the rest of the body.
 

Effects of Toprol-XL

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80 mmHg. 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).
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Toprol-XL your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition for which you are being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • How you respond to the drug.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Toprol-XL Dosage for more information.)
 

Toprol-XL Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects may occur with Toprol-XL. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
The most common side effects include:
 
(Click Side Effects of Toprol-XL to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about specific side effects by clicking the following eMedTV links:
 
 

Drug Interactions

Toprol-XL may interact with a number of different medications (see Toprol-XL Interactions for more information).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Toprol-XL?

Before taking this drug, let your healthcare provider know if you have:
 
 
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (see Toprol-XL and Pregnancy).
  • Are breastfeeding.
  • Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Toprol-XL Precautions and Warnings to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Toprol-XL may have overdose symptoms that could include but are not limited to:
 
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Toprol Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Toprol-XL Be Stored?

Toprol-XL should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. Keep the tablets in an airtight, light-resistant container.
 
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Toprol-XL as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose.
 

Available Strengths

Toprol-XL comes in a number of strengths, including:
 
  • Toprol-XL 25 mg
  • Toprol-XL 50 mg
  • Toprol-XL 100 mg
  • Toprol-XL 200 mg.
     

Is There a Generic Version?

Toprol-XL is available as a generic medicine (see Generic Toprol-XL for more information).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;