Generic Drugs // Blood Pressure // Metoprolol (Lopressor)

Lopressor is used for:
Treating high blood pressure, alone or with other medicines; long-term treatment of chest pain; and reducing the risk of death because of heart problems in patients who have had a heart attack. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Lopressor is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent (beta-blocker). It works by reducing the amount of work the heart has to do (reduces chest pain) and the amount of blood the heart pumps out (lowers high blood pressure). It is also used to stabilize the heart rhythm in conditions in which the heart is beating too fast or at an irregular rhythm.

Lopressor is used for:
Treating high blood pressure, alone or with other medicines; long-term treatment of chest pain; and reducing the risk of death because of heart problems in patients who have had a heart attack. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Lopressor is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent (beta-blocker). It works by reducing the amount of work the heart has to do (reduces chest pain) and the amount of blood the heart pumps out (lowers high blood pressure). It is also used to stabilize the heart rhythm in conditions in which the heart is beating too fast or at an irregular rhythm.

How to use Lopressor:
Use Lopressor as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

    * Lopressor is usually given as an injection at your doctor"s office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Lopressor at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Lopressor . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
    * Do not use Lopressor if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
    * Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
    * If you miss a dose of Lopressor , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lopressor.

Possible side effects of Lopressor:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

    * Blurred vision; cold hands and feet; confusion; constipation; depression; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth/eyes; gas; hair loss; headache; heartburn; itching; lightheadedness; mild drowsiness; muscle aches; nausea; nightmares; ringing in the ears; short-term memory loss; sleeplessness; stomach pain; unusual tiredness or weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

    * Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; fainting; pounding in the chest; swelling of the arms, hands, and feet; wheezing; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.

Proper storage of Lopressor:
Store Lopressor at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Lopressor out of the reach of children and away from pets.