Judy Davis,

Thanks for your question.  It occasionally happens that a dose of needed medication is missed, and in most cases this poses no problem.  For medication like lopressor, the action of the pill is long lasting and remains in your system for a longer time period than other medication.  This does not mean that it's OK to miss medication doses on a regular basis.  Blood pressure control relies on a steady level of medication.  Occasional blips in this level should be tolerated without a problem.  If this is your first missed dose in eight years, you should be congratulated.  Keep up the good work.

Martin Cane, M.D.