Generic Name: METOPROLOL - ORAL
Pronounced: (met-oh-PRO-lol)

Lopressor Oral Warning

If you have chest pain (angina) or have heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure), do not stop using this drug without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this drug, you must gradually decrease your dose according to your doctor's instructions.

When gradually stopping this medication, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease the work on the heart. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: worsening chest pain, tightness or pressure in the chest, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, sweating, trouble breathing or fast/irregular heartbeat.

Lopressor Oral Side Effects

You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, tiredness, diarrhea, vomiting, unusual dreams, trouble sleeping, or vision problems as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

This drug may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• symptoms of a very slow heartbeat (e.g., persistent dizziness, fainting, unusual fatigue)
• bluish discoloration of the fingers and toes
• numbness/tingling/swelling of the hands or feet
• decreased sexual ability
• reversible hair loss
• mental/mood changes
• trouble breathing
• cough
• unexplained or sudden weight gain
• increased thirst
• increased urination

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur:

• easy bruising or bleeding
• persistent sore throat or fever
• yellowing skin or eyes
• stomach pain
• dark urine
• persistent nausea

In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Lopressor Oral Precautions

Before taking metoprolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

• certain types of irregular heartbeats (e.g., sinus bradycardia, second or third degree atrioventricular block, sick-sinus syndrome)
• cardiogenic shock
• severe heart failure (overt or decompensated type)

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• heart failure (treated, compensated type)
• breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease)
• diabetes
• overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism)
• liver disease
• blood circulation problems (e.g., Raynaud's disease)
• skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis)
• serious allergic reactions including those needing treatment with epinephrine
• mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression)
• certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis)
• a certain type of tumor (pheochromocytoma)

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

If you have diabetes, this medication may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of a low blood sugar level such as dizziness or sweating are unaffected by this drug.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks (e.g., low birth weight) and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Lopressor Oral Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Copyright 2007 First DataBank, Inc.