Angina is a type of heart disease that occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood for a short period of time. The inadequate blood flow is caused by narrowed coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). Chest pain is the most commonly experienced angina symptom.

 

 

Toprol-XL is effective in treating symptoms of angina, decreasing the number of angina attacks, and improving exercise tolerance. The medication is effective for treating this type of heart disease because it decreases the workload of the heart. This, in turn, means that the heart needs less oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to function properly at any given level of effort. Toprol-XL does not cure this type of heart disease.

 

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body. It does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working; it means that your heart is not able to pump blood the way that it should.

 

When it is used to treat people with congestive heart failure, Toprol-XL decreases blood pressure and makes the heart more efficient, which allows more blood to be pumped from the heart. In clinical studies, these effects of Toprol-XL led to decreased hospitalizations and loss of life from heart failure among study participants. In these clinical studies, Toprol-XL was combined with other congestive heart failure medications, including ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and digoxin (Digitek^®, Lanoxin^®, Lanoxicaps^®).

 

Off-Label Toprol-XL Uses

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Toprol-XL for treating something other than the conditions listed above. This is known as an "off-label" use of the medication. Some off-label Toprol-XL uses include treatment of conditions such as:

 

 

Healthcare providers may also prescribe Toprol-XL off-label for migraine prevention or to help alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol.