Metoprolol (Oral)
Key points
- Treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain) and lowers the risk of repeated heart attacks.
- Toprol XL, Lopressor There may be other brand names for this medicine.
- You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of beta blocker medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Corgardreg;, Inderalreg;, Lopressorreg;, Toprolreg;, Tenorminreg;), or if you have low blood pressure or certain heart problems.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Metoprolol (By Mouth)
Metoprolol (met-oh-PROE-lol)
Treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain) and lowers the risk of repeated heart attacks. This medicine is a beta blocker.
Brand Name(s):
Toprol XL, Lopressor
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of beta blocker medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Corgardreg;, Inderalreg;, Lopressorreg;, Toprolreg;, Tenorminreg;), or if you have low blood pressure or certain heart problems. Talk with your doctor about what these heart problems are.
How to Use This Medicine:
Tablet, Long Acting Tablet
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- You may take this medicine with or without food.
- Take the extended-release tablet with a meal or just after you eat. You may break the tablet in two, but swallow the two pieces whole and do not crush or chew them.
If a dose is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If your next regular dose is less than 4 hours away (8 hours for extended-release tablets), wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
- Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
- Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
- Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using amiodarone (Cordaronereg;), celecoxib (Celebrexreg;), chlorpheniramine (cold or allergy medicine), cimetidine (Tagametreg;), clomipramine (Anafranilreg;), halofantrine (Halfanreg;), methadone, Paxilreg;, Prozacreg;, quinidine (Quinidexreg;), ritonavir (Norvirreg;), terbinafine (Lamisilreg;), or Zantacreg;.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.