Four Basics And Some Good Information About Beta-Blocker Treatment For High Blood Pressure

Main Category: Hypertension
Article Date: 28 Oct 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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If you're one of the millions of Americans taking a medicine called a beta-blocker for high blood pressure, here are some basics about this family of medicines:

-- Beta-blockers are a family of medicines also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents. When you take beta blockers, the heart beats more slowly and with less force, reducing blood pressure. For these medicines to be effective, it is very important that they are taken regularly and without interruption, as prescribed by the doctor.

-- The prescribing information for beta-blocker medications warns against abrupt cessation of therapy with beta-blocking agents.

-- Do not stop taking your beta-blocker medicine unless your doctor advises you to. Stopping your medicine without checking with your doctor may allow blood pressure to increase and may lead to other dangers such as chest pain or heart attack.

-- When taking beta-blockers, as with most medications, it is important to continue to follow your doctor's recommendations, which may include lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

And Some Good Information about TOPROL-XL and its Generic Equivalent

For people whose doctors have prescribed a beta-blocker called TOPROL-XL or its generic formulation, metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets, here is information you should know:

-- Following published reports that two generic companies had recalled or suspended shipments of metoprolol succinate, AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of TOPROL-XL and its authorized generic equivalent, metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets, has increased supplies of these medicines to address a shortage

-- TOPROL-XL (metoprolol succinate) is an extended-release metoprolol for the treatment of high blood pressure

-- TOPROL-XL is a once-daily medication providing treatment of high blood pressure throughout the day

Talk to your doctor to see if TOPROL-XL is right for you

Indication and important risk information you should know about TOPROL-XL(®) (metoprolol succinate) extended-release tablets

TOPROL-XL is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure. It may be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It's good for you to know more about your medical condition and the medicine you are taking for it. So, talk to your doctor about high blood pressure and TOPROL-XL.

Because of the possibility of serious side effects, such as chest pain or a heart attack, you should not stop taking TOPROL-XL suddenly. If your doctor decides you should stop taking TOPROL-XL, you may be instructed to slowly reduce your dose over a period of time before stopping it completely.

TOPROL-XL may not be right for everyone, especially people who have the following health conditions:

-- Extreme slowing of the heart rate

-- Sudden and severe drop in the blood pressure and blood flow through the body because the heart is not pumping normally

-- Uncontrolled heart failure

-- Slowdown of the heart's electrical signal causing a slower heart rate

-- Damage to the heart's natural pacemaker that affects the heart's rhythm unless a pacemaker device is in the body

-- Any allergies to TOPROL-XL or its ingredients

It is important to take your medications every day as directed by your doctor.

Patients who have asthma or asthma-like lung disease should, in general, not take TOPROL-XL. Your doctor may not want you to take TOPROL-XL if you are taking certain types of high blood pressure medicine; have diabetes; overactive thyroid disease; hardening of the arteries in the arms or legs, or are having major surgery.

Until you know how you will react to TOPROL-XL, avoid activities that require alertness.

In patients with high blood pressure, the most common side effects were tiredness, dizziness, depression, diarrhea, itching or rash, shortness of breath, and slow heart rate. If you experience any of these or other side effects, contact your doctor.

Source: AstraZeneca