Toprol XL (Metoprolol Tartrate Extended Release)

Do’s

• Take Toprol XL exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It should be taken with a meal or just after a meal, typically once a day.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole, not crushed or chewed. If your doctor has instructed you to do so, a Toprol XL tablet can be divided in half, but the half-tablet should be swallowed whole, without chewing or crushing.
• Take the medicine at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in the body.
• To reduce the risk of side effects, your healthcare provider may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose.  Follow their instructions carefully.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. 
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose.
• The dosage and administration of Toprol XL may vary based on individual health conditions and medical history. Follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it worsens, such as if blood pressure readings remain high or increase, or if chest pain occurs more often.

Don’ts

• Toprol XL should not be used to treat chest pain when they occur. Other medications should be used to relieve sudden attacks as directed by a healthcare provider
• Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your healthcare provider, as your condition may worsen.
• Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness
• Tired feeling
• Depression
• Confusion
• Memory problems
• Nightmares
• Trouble sleeping
• Diarrhea
• Mild itching or ras

Serious Side Effects:

• Very slow heartbeat
• Excessive tiredness
• Chest pain
• Light-headed feeling, like you might pass out
• Shortness of breath, even with mild exertion
• Swelling
• Rapid weight gain
• Cold feeling in hands and feet

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. If any of these side effects are experienced, contact a healthcare provider for medical advice.

Toprol XL should not be used if you have a severe heart block (greater than a first degree), sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker, severe circulation problems, severe heart failure, a history of slow heartbeats that caused fainting, or if you are allergic to Toprol XL or metoprolol.

Call a healthcare provider at once if experiencing a very slow heartbeat, excessive tiredness, chest pain, a light-headed feeling like you might pass out, or shortness of breath (even with mild exertion).

Following abrupt cessation of therapy with certain beta-blocking agents, exacerbations of angina pectoris and, in some cases, myocardial infarction have occurred. 

When discontinuing chronically administered Toprol XL, particularly in patients with ischemic heart disease, the dosage should be gradually reduced over a period of 1 - 2 weeks and the patient should be carefully monitored.

If angina markedly worsens or acute coronary insufficiency develops, Toprol XL administration should be reinstated promptly, at least temporarily, and other measures appropriate for the management of unstable angina should be taken. 

Patients should be warned against interruption or discontinuation of therapy without the healthcare provider’s advice. Because coronary artery disease is common and may be unrecognized, it may be prudent not to discontinue Toprol XL therapy abruptly even in patients treated only for hypertension.

Consult a healthcare provider for specific warnings and precautions related to taking Toprol XL.