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Lopressor |
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What is Lopressor and why is it prescribed? Lopressor, a type of medication known as a beta blocker, is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, angina pectoris, 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 Lopressor for the treatment of aggressive behavior, prevention of migraine headache, and relief of temporary anxiety. An extended-release form of this drug is prescribed for high blood pressure, angina, and heart failure. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Lopressor regularly for it to be effective. Lopressor does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Lopressor? Follow your doctors directions for taking Lopressor. Lopressor should be taken with food or immediately after you have eaten. Take Lopressor exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Try not to miss any doses. If this medication is not taken regularly, your condition may worsen. If you miss a dose and it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Lopressor at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light. Protect from moisture. Are there any Lopressor side effects? Lopressor side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Lopressor side effects may include depression, diarrhea, dizziness, itching, rash, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat, and tiredness. Less common or rare Lopressor side effects may include blurred vision, cold hands and feet, confusion, congestive heart failure, constipation, difficult or labored breathing, dry eyes, dry mouth, gas, hair loss, headache, heart attack, heartburn, low blood pressure, muscle pain, nausea, nightmares, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, short-term memory loss, stomach pain, swelling due to fluid retention, trouble sleeping, wheezing, and worsening of heart irregularities. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Lopressor? If Lopressor is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lopressor with certain high blood pressure drugs such as reserpine (Ser-Ap-Es). Other medications that might interact with Lopressor 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 (Minipress), Propafenone (Rythmol), Quinidine (Quinaglute), Ranitidine (Zantac), or Rifampin (Rifadin). Are there any special warnings about Lopressor? If you have a history of congestive heart failure, Lopressor should be used with caution. If you are taking the extended release form of this drug 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. Do not stop Lopressor 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, this medication should be used with caution. Ask your doctor if you should check your pulse while taking Lopressor. This medication can cause your heartbeat to become too slow. Lopressor may mask some symptoms of low blood sugar in diabetics or alter blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, discuss this with your doctor. Lopressor 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 this medication. Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Lopressor if you have a medical emergency, or before you have surgery or dental treatment. Notify your doctor if you have any difficulty in breathing. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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