What is Lopressor: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Lopressor overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Toprol XL, Metoprolol Succinate AvPak, Kapspargo Sprinkle, Lopressor, Toprol XL

Generic Names:

  • Metoprolol Tartrate

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and heart failure. May lower the risk of death after a heart attack. This medicine is a beta-blocker.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antianginal, Antiarrhythmic, Group II, Antihypertensive, Antimigraine, Cardiovascular Agent

Forms:

  • Long Acting Capsule, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Lopressor used for?

Lopressor is a beta blocker that is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It works by keeping certain natural chemicals, such as epinephrine, from acting on the heart and blood vessels.

What form(s) does Lopressor come in

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • Tablet

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Lopressor doses?

  • Tablet 50MG

  • Tablet 100MG

Common Lopressor prescriptions

  • Lopressor
    100mg tablet

  • Lopressor
    50mg tablet

How to take Lopressor

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Take this medicine with a meal or right after a meal. Take this medicine the same way every day, at the same time.

  • Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule: You may open it and sprinkle the contents over a small amount (teaspoonful) of soft food (including applesauce, pudding, or yogurt). Swallow the mixture within 60 minutes. Do not store for later use.You may also use a nasogastric tube to give the medicine. Mix the contents of the opened capsule with water into a syringe. Gently shake the mixture for about 10 seconds, then flush it through the tube. Rinse the tube with water until all of the medicine is washed out.

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. You may break the extended-release tablet in half, but do not chew or crush it.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule: You may open it and sprinkle the contents over a small amount (teaspoonful) of soft food (including applesauce, pudding, or yogurt). Swallow the mixture within 60 minutes. Do not store for later use.You may also use a nasogastric tube to give the medicine. Mix the contents of the opened capsule with water into a syringe. Gently shake the mixture for about 10 seconds, then flush it through the tube. Rinse the tube with water until all of the medicine is washed out.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. You may break the extended-release tablet in half, but do not chew or crush it.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take this medicine with a meal or right after a meal. Take this medicine the same way every day, at the same time.

Lopressor contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to metoprolol or similar medicines, or if you have certain blood circulation or heart problems. Ask your doctor about these problems.

Lopressor warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have blood vessel, heart, or circulation problems (including heart failure, rhythm problems, or a slow heartbeat). Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, lung disease (including asthma), thyroid problems, pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor), or a history of allergies.

  • This medicine may worsen the symptoms of heart failure while the dose is being adjusted.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

Lopressor interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how metoprolol works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Clonidine, digoxin, dipyridamole, guanethidine, hydralazine, hydroxychloroquine, methyldopa, prazosin, quinidine, reserpineCalcium channel blocker (including amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil)Ergot medicineMAO inhibitor or medicine to treat depression (including bupropion, clomipramine, desipramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline)Medicine for heart rhythm problems (including propafenone)Medicine to treat HIV/AIDS (including ritonavir)Medicine to treat infection (including terbinafine)Medicine to treat mental illness (including chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, thioridazine)

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Lopressor side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Slow heartbeat

  • Worsening chest pain

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Diarrhea

  • Mild dizziness, tiredness