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 (Minip
