Lopresor

Common Name: metoprolol

How does Lopresor work?

Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that is used to treat high blood pressure and prevent the symptoms of angina (chest pain). It works by reducing the demands put on the heart. Metoprolol is also taken by people who have had a heart attack to reduce the risk of having another one. When used for the reduction of blood pressure, additional blood pressure-lowering medications may be used along with metoprolol. Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Lopresor?

The recommended dose of metoprolol ranges from 100 mg daily to 400 mg daily. Immediate-release tablets are taken in two divided doses while slow-release tablets are taken once a day. The medication may be taken with or without food. The usual starting dose for treatment of high blood pressure and angina pectoris is 50 mg twice daily. The doctor may increase the dose if the desired results have not been achieved within one week. Once the best dose has been found with the immediate-release tablets, the slow-release tablets may be substituted at an equal daily dose for convenience. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important to take this medication regularly, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without checking with your doctor first. Stopping the medication suddenly after you have been taking it for a while may cause unpleasant and potentially harmful effects.

What form(s) does Lopresor come in?

Lopresor® is available in ampul (injectable), tablet (50 mg and 100 mg), and slow-release tablet (100 mg and 200 mg) form. Ampuls: Each mL of clear, injectable solution contains metoprolol 1 mg. Also contains sodium chloride 9 mg. Tablets: 50 mg: Each light red, film-coated, capsule-shaped tablet, scored and marked "51/51" on one side and marked "Geigy" on the other, contains metoprolol 50 mg. Sodium: <1 mmol (0.06 mg). 100 mg: Each light blue, film-coated, capsule-shaped tablet, scored and marked "71/71" on one side and marked "Geigy" on the other, contains metoprolol 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, cellulose compounds, lactose, magnesium stearate, peridone, polyethylene glycol, silicon dioxide, sodium carboxymethyl starch, and talc. Sodium: <1 mmol (0.12 mg). Slow-release tablets: 100 mg: Each round, film-coated, orange-brown tablet, marked "GEIGY" on one side and "KR" over "100" on the other, contains metoprolol 100 mg in a slow-release formulation. 200 mg: Each round, film-coated, light yellow tablet, marked "GEIGY" on one side and "CDC" on the other, contains metoprolol 200 mg in a slow-release formulation. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, castor oil compounds, cellulose compounds, iron oxides, magnesium stearate, phosphates polysorbate, talc, and titanium dioxide. This medication does not contain alcohol, bisulfite, gluten, lactose, parabens, sodium, or tartrazine.

What should I NOT take with Lopresor?

Metoprolol should not be taken by anyone who: is allergic to metoprolol or any of the ingredients of the medication has serious heart block has overt heart failure has metabolic acidosis has a condition known as right ventricular failure caused by pulmonary hypertension (excessive blood pressure in the lungs) has cardiogenic shock has severe circulatory disorders has asthma or other obstructive respiratory diseases (for the intravenous form of metoprolol only) has a condition known as "sick sinus syndrome" is scheduled to have anesthesia with an agent that causes myocardial depression (e.g., ether) has a heart rate less than 45 beats per minute

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Lopresor?

Breathing conditions: Patients with asthma and certain other breathing problems should, in general, not receive a beta-blocker such as metoprolol. Low doses of metoprolol may be used with caution in patients with asthma who do not respond to, or who cannot tolerate, alternative treatment. Diabetes: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking metoprolol. People with diabetes who take insulin or other drugs that work by reducing the insulin in the blood should be cautious and monitor blood sugar carefully while taking this medication. History of heart failure: People with a history of heart failure should be cautious while taking this medication as it may increase the risks associated with this condition. Hyperthyroidism (high level of thyroid hormones): People with hyperthyroidism should be cautious while taking metoprolol as it may reduce the symptoms of this condition giving a false impression of improvement. Stopping the medication suddenly could worsen this condition. Liver disease: People with liver disease should be cautious when taking this medication. Occupational hazards: Use of metoprolol may cause dizziness, fatigue, or a slower reaction time while driving or operating heavy machinery. Use appropriate caution. Severe allergies: People with allergies severe enough to cause anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction where swelling of the face, lips, and throat make it difficult to breathe) should talk to their doctor about what to do if they have an allergic reaction. Metoprolol may make it more difficult to treat their allergic reaction with epinephrine. Stopping usage: Metoprolol should not be stopped suddenly by people who are taking it to treat angina. There have been reports of severe worsening of angina, and of heart attack or abnormal heart rhythms occurring in people with angina pectoris who have done this. Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform all doctors involved in your care that you are taking metoprolol. Pregnancy: Metoprolol should not be taken by pregnant women. Its use by women of childbearing age requires that the anticipated benefit be cautiously weighed against possible risks. Breast-feeding: Metoprolol appears in breast milk in very small quantities. Nursing mothers should exercise caution if taking this medication. Children: The safety and effectiveness of metoprolol for use by children have not been established.