TOPROL XL

Drug Name: TOPROL XL

TOPROL XL DESCRIPTION:
METOPROLOL - ORAL EXTENDED RELEASE (met-oh-PRO-lol)

COMMON TOPROL XL BRAND NAME(S):
Toprol XL

TOPROL XL SIDE EFFECTS:
You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and blurred vision as your body adjusts to the medication. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. Because beta-blockers reduce blood circulation to the extremities, your hands and feet may be more susceptible to the cold. Dress warm. Inform your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen hands or feet, confusion or depression, sore throat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE TOPROL XL:
TOPROL XL: Take TOPROL XL exactly as prescribed usually once a day. Try to take it at the same time each day. The tablet is scored and can be divided. However, the whole or half tablet should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew the tablet before swallowing. Do not suddenly stop taking TOPROL XL without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

TOPROL XL WARNING:
If you have angina or have had heart problems, do not suddenly stop using TOPROL XL without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this medication, you must stop TOPROL XL gradually according to your doctor's instructions.

TOPROL XL USES:
TOPROL XL belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers. TOPROL XL slows the heart rate and reduces hypertension (high blood pressure). It is used in the treatment of angina (chest pain), hypertension or heart failure.

OTHER USES OF TOPROL XL:
TOPROL XL may also be used after heart attacks to improve survival.

TOPROL XL PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking TOPROL XL, tell your doctor if you have: heart problems, kidney problems, liver disease, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or other lung diseases, diabetes, an overactive thyroid gland, allergies (especially drug allergies). You may want to check your pulse every day while taking this medication. Discuss with your doctor what changes in your pulse rate mean. Before having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking a beta-blocker. TOPROL XL should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Beta-blockers do appear in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

TOPROL XL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: diuretics, reserpine, cold preparations and nasal decongestants, other heart drugs, high blood pressure medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

TOPROL XL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include slowed heart rate, dizziness, weakness, and difficulty breathing.

MISSED TOPROL XL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered, but not if it is within 4 hours of next dose. If it is, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the doses to catch up.

TOPROL XL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.