What Is Toprol for?

Understanding your medical condition and medication is essential to exploring the best treatment options for you, and having a heart condition, high blood pressure, or chest pain is challenging. However, there are medications that can help if you do have one of these health problems. One of these medications is Toprol, and it is important to learn what it is, how it works, potential side effects and drug interactions in the event that your doctor considers this medication for you.

What is Toprol?

• This drug is also known as Metprolol. There are two types that are broken down into the names of Metoprolol Succinate and Metoprolol Tartrate. The succinate variety is known as Toprol. Toprol is in the category of drugs called "beta blockers."

How Does it Work?

• Reducing impulses to the heart and blood vessels are how beta blockers work. These drugs work by reducing heart rate and lowering blood pressure, which has the effect of reducing the workload on the heart and blood vessels, allowing the heart and vessels to work more efficiently.

What is it Used For?

• Toprol is used for treating hypertension, angina pectoris and heart failure. Hypertension is defined as high blood pressure, and severe chest pain is also known as angina.

Side Effects of Toprol

• Drugs that may have beneficial properties often have side effects. According to the RX List possible side effects are: tiredness, dizziness, depression, mental confusion, short-term memory loss, headaches, sleepiness, insomnia and nightmares. Although these side effects are not common you should be aware of these if you are considering this medication. Some diarrhea, constipation and heartburn have also been reported.

Possible Drug Interactions

• This is a list of drugs that you will want to ask your doctor about before taking with Toprol because they may cause adverse side effects: Cimetidine, oral contraceptives, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxychloronique, Methimazole, Phenobarbitol and Quinidine. It is always wise to ask your doctor before adding new medications to existing ones.

Signs to Watch For

• Although overdosing is not common with this drug it can happen, so watch for a drop in blood pressure, decreased respiration, low blood sugar, seizures, and decreased alertness. Your doctor will also watch for subtle signs to make sure you are on the correct dose.

Additional Information

• Additional considerations are adapted from the PDR Nurses Drug Handbook.
  Do not suddenly stop taking your medications without notifying your doctor. It is best taken with food, and do not crush the extended release pills. Alcohol may increase the effect of this medication. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medications. Immediately report any sudden weight gain, shortness of breath or swelling of the arms or legs.