About Toprol XL

The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Toprol XL.

Toprol XL is prescribed for treating hypertension, or high blood pressure. It is a member of the family of cardioselective beta blockers. These drugs alleviate chest pain and reduce high blood pressure by lessening the amount of force the heart must use to pump blood through the aorta. It's also prescribed in conditions of tachycardia, where the heart beats too quickly or irregularly, and for patients who've had an acute heart attack, in order to increase their chances of survival. It is sometimes recommended for patients in order to prevent migraine headaches.

Toprol XL is an extended release version of metoprolol succinate for those patients who would prefer and whose conditions allow for a "once daily" dose of the drug. The tablet's enteric coating dissolves after swallowing, and hundreds of tiny pellets containing the medication are released. These dissolve slowly, keeping a constant dosage of the drug in the body for twenty four hours.

Patients who are on a course of Toprol XL should not stop taking the medication suddenly. Symptoms of acute chest pain and irregular heartbeat can result. Instead, dosages of this medication should be lowered slowly, over weeks, as overseen by a licensed health care provider.

Toprol XL should be taken at the same time every day, preferably after a meal. Missed doses should be taken as soon as they're remembered, unless this would cause a "doubling" of the does. In this case, skipping the dose in favor of returning to the regular dosing schedule is recommended.

Side effects may include dizziness, sleepiness, shortness of breath, skin rash, and occasional diarrhea.

What is Metoprolol?

Metoprolol is the generic form of Toprol XL and can be purchased as a cheaper alternative to save money on your medication. The same ingredients are used in the manufacturing of the brand name version of this drug as in Metoprolol.