In the US, among the various ailments and diseases that afflict the populace, hypertension ranks as one of the most common. Roughly 47 percent of the adult population are reportedly afflicted with hypertension. High blood pressure reportedly causes other health complications. Angina is a possible connected condition in patients with arterial hypertension. High blood pressure causes a gradual thickening of the walls and this poses long term health risks to the afflicted. Among the various medications in use for treating the conditions, Toprol XL sis regarded as effective choice. The subsequent sections will focus on the drug, and possible Toprol xl side effects to offer factually correct information, and help patients follow medication instructions.
What conditions does the beta blocker help manage?
Belonging to the category of beta blockers, Toprol XL is an extended release formulation of metoprolol succinate. The beta blocker is typically prescribed for chronic chest pain, congestive heart failure, in addition to high blood pressure. Patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction are also recommended the medication in an effort to slash the mortality rate, as the condition is known to have a relatively high mortality rate of 30%. The medication is broadly classified into succinate and tartrate, which are basically the derivative.
How does Toprol XL work?
The outcomes from the medication are generally due to the qualities of the drug as a beta-1 adrenergic receptor inhibitor. In other words, the medication has no impact on beta-2 receptors, and this quality makes it suitable for targeted treatments. This specific action brings down the cardiac output, and this is achieved without affecting other functions.
One of the reasons for the potency of the medication is the speed with which it is absorbed on being consumed. The oral forms are fully absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and this ensures that the serum concentration is available in the body within a period 120 minutes. The speed of availability of the serum concentration in the body increases by six times when Toprol XL is administered intravenously.
Here it is important to note that the bioavailability of the drug is 100 percent when it is administered intravenously. When the same drug is taken orally, the bioavailability reduces to 50 percent. Therefore, the efficacy also depends on the manner in which it is taken.
Special instructions on the drug intake
The medication is ideally taken along with food, as per the advice of treating doctors. This is because of two specific reasons. When consumed alongside food, there is the possibility of greater absorption of the drug and this helps patients enjoy better outcomes from the treatment regimen. As mentioned above, there are two reasons, and the second reasons is the need to avoid nausea among patients. Individuals who take the medication for the first time are likely to experience feelings of nausea, while a very small section of patients may experience nausea even after continued use. When taken alongside food, or after a meal, the feelings of nausea are avoided. The medication can be best taken with food, or after food, so as to avoid Toprol xl side effects due to consumption on an empty stomach.
Black box warning for Toprol XL
As a regulatory authority, the FDA issues periodic notifications and updates about drugs, in addition to being the sole authority to classify drugs as per safety levels. The purpose of black box warnings is typically intended to help healthcare professionals, care givers and patients understand the possible risks associated with the medication. Black box warnings are the highest alert or caution levels and Toprol XL is classified as drug with a black box warning.
By virtue of being a drug with a black box warning, it is essential for patients to strictly follow the instructions of the specialist treating the condition. Abrupt stopping of the medication is also to be avoided as this can trigger unwanted side effects. Whenever there is a need to discontinue the medication, the dosage is typically tapered down by the specialist, and once the specialist is convinced that it is safe to stop the medication, the regimen is discontinued. Whenever patients abruptly stop taking the medication anymore, there is the possibility of some form of discomfort and pain in the chest being experienced. Consequently, this could cause an increase in blood pressure levels, with certain individuals ending up with a heart complication.
Hat strength of Toprol CL is safe?
One of the common reasons for Toprol xl side effects is the possibility of not following the treating specialist’s instructions or consuming dosages in excess of safe limits. This compilation of dosage limits is intended to serve as a reference for individuals on the drug. However, the actual dosage will differ from person to person and will depend on factors such as the condition being treated, the age, gender, other medications in use and other diagnosed conditions of the patient. The compilation below is indicates the recommended average dosage for various conditions and helps patients to stay within the maximum permissible dosage limits.
Dosage for treating angina – For patients with angina the recommended dosage is initially 100 mg per day for adults between 18 – 64 years. This is then slowly increased, as per the condition and the desired outcome. Under no circumstance should the dosage be increased to more than 400 mg, and this will help avoid any further adverse reaction.
Dosage for treating hypertension – The ideal dosage for adults with hypertension is an initial daily dosage between 25 mg to 100 mg. This is to be taken through a single dosage, and this is then slowly increased as per the assessment of the specialist and he desired outcome. Here again, the maximum dosage s not to exceed 400 mg daily.
The dosage for children between 6 – 17 years is based on body weight. For every kilo of body weight, the recommended dosage is 1 mg daily, which may be increased slowly as per the assessment. Under no circumstance should the initial dosage cross 50 mg daily. The maximum permitted dosage arrived as per the body weight to medication ratio, should not cross 200 mg per day.
Dosage for treating heart conditions – Heart failure classified as NYHA Class II is typically treated with a daily dose of 25 mg for a fortnight, followed by a maintenance dose. This may be increased gradually, depending on the condition, with an upper limit of 200 mg every day.
Dosage for treating liver conditions – Aged patients with liver conditions have compromised or lowered ability to process the drug. Consequently, the levels of the drug in the body may increase, with undesirable effects. It is essential to conduct a liver function test on aged patients to determine the ability of the liver, prior to starting medication. Patients and care givers are to report conditions of the liver to help specialists determine the safest dosage.
Possible toprol xl side effects that may be experienced commonly
The possible undesirable effects of the medication can be broadly classified as mild or moderate and adverse. These effects are unlikely to be experienced by all users, but may be limited to only a small section of users. The duration of the effects and the severity of the effect may also differ among those who experience side effects. The need for treatment to resolve the conditions is mainly determined by the intensity of the effects and the type of effects, as some mild or moderate effects may typically resolve naturally.
Common effects that are not a cause for concern – Dizzy feelings and fatigue are relatively common feelings that may be experienced by individuals on the medication. Constipation is another frequently occurring condition that may be experienced by patients, while some are known to end up with diarrhea, an effect that is the exact opposite of constipation. The patient’s libido or sex drive may be impacted as a result of the medication.
Other commonly occurring effects include shortness of breath, symptoms similar to wheezing, and cough. In addition to the above, there are manifestations on the skin, like outbreak of rashes. While most of these effects may not require medical intervention, one unwanted effect needs to be closely monitored before it turns serious. There is the possibility of the patient’s heart beat rate reducing to a level that is below average, and this needs to managed at the earliest.
Adverse effects that require medical intervention – Serious effects need to be treated suitably and on time; in certain circumstances, it may be necessary to seek emergency intervention. In other situations, it may be necessary to prevent aggravation of side effects before the condition turns serious in nature.
There is the possibility of a rapid decrease in blood pressure levels, known medically as hypotension. It is extremely important to ensure that the patient receives timely medical care to prevent it from turning adverse. There are clear tell-tale symptoms that indicate the condition, and it is essential to monitor and identify the symptoms. For instance, patients may experience abnormal dizziness, unrelated to any other known condition. The dizzy feeling may be severe, and it may sometimes be accompanied by a light headed feeling. It is essential to seek and receive timely treatment on observance of these symptoms to prevent aggravation.
Patients are likely to faint or feel faint when on the medication. Additionally, it is also likely that the individual may feel cold at the ends of the limbs. In circumstances, where tiredness gradually increases, it is an indication of worsening conditions, and patients are advised to seek immediate care at healthcare facility. There is also the likelihood of patients exhibiting erratic behavior when on the medication. Commonly associated conditions include depression and anxiousness. These conditions may typically be unrelated to any other condition and may be experienced only when on the medication.
A clear decline in interest in routine activities of the patient is another indication of undesirable effects of the medication. This includes the possibility of decreased appetite that may have consequences on the health of the patient. Caregivers are to continually monitor the patient and identify early symptoms that will help in preventing or mitigating the condition, before it worsens.
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.
