Brand name:
Metolar ( Betaloc, Lopressor, Metoprolol Tartrate, Toprol)
Pronounced: low-PRESS-or
Generic name: Metoprolol tartrate
Other brand name: Toprol-XL
Why is Metolar prescribed?

Metolar, a type of medication known as a beta blocker, is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, angina pectoris (chest pain, usually caused by lack of oxygen to the heart due to clogged arteries), and heart attack. When prescribed for high blood pressure, it is effective when used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications. Beta blockers decrease the force and rate of heart contractions, thereby reducing the demand for oxygen and lowering blood pressure.

Occasionally doctors prescribe Metolar for the treatment of aggressive behavior, prevention of migraine headache, and relief of temporary anxiety.

An extended-release form of Metolar, called Toprol-XL, is prescribed for high blood pressure, angina, and heart failure.
Most important fact about Metolar

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Metolar regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Metolar; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Metolar does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take Metolar?

Metolar should be taken with food or immediately after you have eaten.Take Metolar exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared.

Try not to miss any doses. If Metolar is not taken regularly, your condition may worsen.

Why should Metolar not be prescribed?

If you have a slow heartbeat, certain heart irregularities, low blood pressure, inadequate output from the heart, or heart failure, you should not take Metolar.
Special warnings about Metolar

If you have a history of congestive heart failure, Metolar should be used with caution. If you are taking the extended release form of Metolar, Toprol-XL, to relieve heart failure, the condition may temporarily be worsened as your dosage is increased. Be sure to alert your doctor to any signs of worsening heart failure such as weight gain or increasing shortness of breath. If you have peripheral vascular disease, use Toprol-XL with caution.

Do not stop Metolar abruptly. This can cause increased chest pain and heart attack. Dosage should be gradually reduced.

If you suffer from asthma, seasonal allergies or other bronchial conditions, or liver disease, Metolar should be used with caution.

Ask your doctor if you should check your pulse while taking Metolar. This medication can cause your heartbeat to become too slow.

This medication may mask some symptoms of low blood sugar in diabetics or alter blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, discuss this with your doctor.

If you have pheochromocytoma and your doctor prescribes Toprol-XL, you will first need to take an alpha-blocking drug (a different type of blood pressure medication).

Metolar may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended until you know how you respond to Metolar.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Metolar if you have a medical emergency, or before you have surgery or dental treatment.

Notify your doctor if you have any difficulty in breathing.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Metolar

If Metolar is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Metolar with certain high blood pressure drugs such as reserpine (Ser-Ap-Es).

Other medications that might interact with Metolar include:

Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)
Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
Calcium channel blockers such as Calan and Cardizem
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Clonidine (Catapres)
Epinephrine (EpiPen)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Hydralazine (Apresoline)
Insulin
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin and Indocin
Oral diabetes drugs such as Glucotrol and Micronase
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Prazosin (Minipress)
Propafenone (Rythmol)
Quinidine (Quinaglute)
Ranitidine (Zantac)
Rifampin (Rifadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Metolar during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Metolar appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Metolar is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Metolar is finished.
Recommended dosage for Metolar

Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

* The symptoms of Metolar overdose may include:
Asthma-like symptoms, coma, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, shock, slow heartbeat, stopped heart

--If you miss a dose...

If it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store Metolar at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light. Protect from moisture. Store Toprol-XL at room temperature.
Metolar side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Metolar.

* Side effects may include:
Depression, diarrhea, dizziness, itching, rash, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat, tiredness