Lopressor

This medicine is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and angina pectoris (chest pain). It is also used after a heart attack to improve survival. Controlling high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

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.

This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Warning: if you have angina or have had heart problems, do not suddenly stop using this medicine without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this medicine, you must stop this medicine gradually according to your doctor's instructions.

Do not take this medicine if you are also taking mibefradil. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking amiodarone, barbiturates, birth control pills, cimetidine, disopyramide, flecainide, indomethacin, methimazole, propylthiouracil, quinidine, or verapamil. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of heart block. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Do not use Lopressor

• If you are allergic to any ingredient in Lopressor
• If you have a very slow heart rate condition (eg, bradycardia, AV block); heart failure controlled by diuretics (eg, furosemide) and digoxin; or very low systolic blood pressure (less than 100 mm Hg)
• If you are taking mibefradil

Precautions

Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Before taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines used to treat colds or congestion. If your doctor has instructed you to check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly, be sure to do so.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. For patients with diabetes mellitus: this medicine may mask signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heartbeat. Check blood glucose levels regularly.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine either always with food or always on an empty stomach at the same time(s) each day.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take 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 take 2 doses at once.

Lopressor side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include mild drowsiness; lightheadedness or dizziness; or unusual tiredness or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience difficulty breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much (Lopressor overdose)

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include very slow heart rate, severe dizziness, fainting, weakness, and difficult or slowed breathing.

Additional information about Lopressor

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Lopressor may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lopressor with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Lopressor may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal" Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

If you have angina (chest pain) or have had other heart problems, do not suddenly stop taking Lopressor without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use Lopressor , you will need to stop Lopressor gradually according to your doctor's instructions.

If your doctor has instructed you to check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly, be sure to do so.

Do not take any medicines used to treat colds or congestion without first consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

Diabetes patients - Lopressor may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Lopressor before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Lab tests, including liver and kidney function, blood pressure, and complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Lopressor . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Use Lopressor with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Lopressor while you are pregnant. Lopressor is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Lopressor, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.