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.
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:
A healthcare provider may recommend the medication "
off-label" 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.)
How Does the Medication 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.
Toprol XL is a beta-1 selective (or cardioselective) beta blocker. This means that it mostly blocks beta-1 receptors, especially at normal doses. However, it can block beta-2 receptors in the lungs to some extent, especially at higher dosages. This can lead to breathing problems, especially in people with
asthma or other similar conditions.
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