Toprol XL

Before taking this medicine

Do not take Toprol XL if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, have a very slow heart rate, second- or third-degree heart block, cardiogenic shock, decompensated heart failure, or sick sinus syndrome without a permanent pacemaker. Tell your prescriber if you have heart failure, a condition that causes narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), low blood sugar, an overactive thyroid, poor circulation in your limbs, liver impairment, or pheochromocytoma. Beta-blockers should generally be avoided in bronchospastic disease. For pheochromocytoma, an alpha-blocker must be started first. Liver impairment requires close monitoring for side effects. Toprol XL can worsen heart failure and symptoms of poor circulation. It may increase the risk of low blood sugar and hide early warning signs. Taking it with glycosides, clonidine, diltiazem or verapamil can increase the risk of a slow heart rate. Epinephrine used to treat an allergic reaction may be less effective. Do not stop Toprol XL suddenly without your prescriber’s guidance. Sudden withdrawal can worsen reduced blood flow to the heart and may trigger a thyroid storm in people with an overactive thyroid. Tell your surgical team that you take Toprol XL; ongoing beta-blocker treatment should not routinely be stopped before surgery.