Brand Name

Lopresor {Novartis}

Generic Name

metoprolol tartrate, pronounced me TOE pro lol TAR trate

---

Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Lopresor?

Lopresor is a medication that is used to treat hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Lopresor is in a class of medications called beta blockers, and works to help the blood flow through your arteries and veins. Lopresor may also be used to treat angina, certain heart disorders, to help prevent migraine headaches, or as part of a treatment for an overactive thyroid gland. Your doctor may prescribe Lopresor for reasons not stated in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Lopresor

Lopresor is a part of a complete program that your doctor has prescribed for you. This program includes diet, exercise, weight control, and possibly other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines closely.

Lopresor is in FDA pregnancy category C. We do not know if Lopresor can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant before taking Lopresor. Lopresor passes into breast milk and could cause harm to a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking Lopresor.

If you are having cataract surgery you should be aware that Lopresor can affect your pupils. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication.

While you are taking Lopresor be careful when doing anything that requires you to be alert, such as driving. Lopresor may impair your thinking and reaction time.

Never skip doses of Lopresor or stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse or cause other serious heart problems, like severe chest pain or a heart attack. Your doctor may need to taper you off Lopresor slowly if you wish to stop taking Lopresor.

Before You Take Lopresor

You should not take Lopresor if you are allergic to metoprolol tartrate.

If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) you should not take Lopresor.

If you have a serious heart condition like “AV block”, slow heart rhythm or a condition that causes low blood pressure you should not take Lopresor.

Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, bronchitis or emphysema.

Before taking Lopresor, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or a breathing problem.

Let your doctor know if you a pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland) before starting treatment with Lopresor.

You will need to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking Lopresor. Continue using Lopresor even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use Lopresor or another blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Lopresor Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), duloxetine (Cymbalta), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), imipramine (Tofranil), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft)
• antifungal medications
• anti-malaria medications
• antipsychotic medications like chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol) and thioridazine (Mellaril)
• asthma or other breathing disorder medications like albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), metaproterenol (Alupent), pirbuterol (Maxair), terbutaline (Brethaire, Brethine, Bricanyl), and theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theochron, Uniphyl)
• beta blockers like atenolol (Tenormin)
• cimetidine (Tagamet)
• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin)
• diuretics
• heart or blood pressure medications like amlodipine
• Norvasc, Caduet, Exforge, Lotrel, Tekamlo, Tribenzor, Twynsta), diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia) and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan)
• insulin or oral diabetes medications
• nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, Nitrolingual, Nitrostat, Transderm-Nitro)
• NSAIDS
• ritonavir (Norvir)
• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Lopresor. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Lopresor

You should follow the instructions on your prescription label and not take Lopresor for longer than recommended by your doctor, or in larger or smaller doses.

Lopresor can be taken with or without food.

Lopresor is only a part of a regimen that your doctor may have prescribed for you. This regimen might include diet, exercise and weight management for healthy living. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

If you need surgery be sure to tell the surgeon and staff that you are taking Lopresor.

Lopresor should be stored at room temperature, and away from both moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Lopresor you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but only if your next dose is not near. Do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Lopresor Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Lopresor and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reaction such as breathing difficulties, hives and swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• chest pain
• confusion
• cold hands and feet
• depression
• feeling faint like you might pass out
• hallucinations
• heartbeat that is irregular or very slow, especially less than 40 beats per minute
• swelling with rapid weight gain
• wheezing and difficulties breathing

Less serious Lopresor side effects may include:

• anxiety or nervousness
• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness or spinning sensation
• drowsiness
• insomnia
• upset stomach
• vivid dreams

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Lopresor. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Lopresor Description and Dosing

Lopresor tablets are available in 50 mg or 100 mg dosages. The 50 mg tablet is light red, film-coated, capsule-shaped, scored and marked “51/51” on one side and marked “Geigy” on the other side. The 100 mg tablet is light blue, film-coated, tablet-shaped, scored and marked “71/71” on one side and marked “Geigy” on the other side.

Consult your doctor for specific dosing pertaining to you. You should take Lopresor exactly as your doctor prescribes you to. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you believe you may have overdosed with Lopresor seek emergency medical help immediately.

Ingredients in Lopresor

Lopresor contains the active ingredient metoprolol tartrate. Inactive ingredietns include cellulose, povidone, silicon dioxide, sodium starch glycollate, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polysorbate, talc, titanium dioxide (E171), red iron oxide (E172) (50mg tablets only), indigocarmine E132 (100mg tablets only).

Back to Top

The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.