Lopressor

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

diabetes

heart or vessel disease like slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome or Raynaud's disease

kidney disease

liver disease

lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema

pheochromocytoma

thyroid disease

an unusual or allergic reaction to metoprolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine immediately after meals. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take more medicine than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

sotalol

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

clonidine

digoxin

dobutamine

epinephrine

soproterenol

medicine to control heart rhythm like quinidine, propafenone

medicine for depression like monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, fluoxetine, and paroxetine

medicine for high blood pressure like calcium channel blockers

reserpine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Contact your doctor right away if your symptoms worsen. Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be, and when you should contact them.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Contact your doctor if these symptoms continue. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives

cold or numb hands or feet

depression

difficulty breathing

faint

fever with sore throat

rregular heartbeat, chest pain

rapid weight gain

swollen legs or ankles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

anxiety or nervousness

change in sex drive or performance

dry skin

headache

nightmares or trouble sleeping

short term memory loss

stomach upset or diarrhea

unusually tired

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.