Lopressor

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Lopressor during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Lopressor appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Dosages of Lopressor should be individualized by your doctor. It should be taken with or immediately following meals.

High Blood Pressure

The usual starting dosage of Lopressor is a total of 100 milligrams a day taken in 1 or 2 doses, whether taken alone or with a diuretic. The initial dosage of Toprol-XL ranges from 50 to 100 milligrams once a day. Your doctor may gradually increase the dosage up to 400 milligrams a day. Generally, the effectiveness of each dosage increase will be seen within a week.

Angina Pectoris

The usual starting dosage is a total of 100 milligrams a day taken in 2 doses of Lopressor or a single dose of Toprol-XL. Your doctor may gradually increase the dosage up to 400 milligrams a day.

Generally, the effectiveness of each dosage increase will be seen within a week. If treatment is to be discontinued, your doctor will withdraw the drug gradually over a period of 1 to 2 weeks.

Heart Attack

Lopressor can be used for treatment of heart attack both in the hospital during the early phases and after the individual's condition has stabilized. Your doctor will determine the dosage according to your needs.

Heart Failure

The recommended starting dose of Toprol-XL is 25 milligrams once daily for 2 weeks (12.5 milligrams in severe cases). Your doctor will double the dose every 2 weeks up to the highest level that works without side effects. The maximum recommended dose is 200 milligrams daily.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Lopressor have not been established in children.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• The symptoms of Lopressor overdose may include:
  Asthma-like symptoms, coma, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, shock, slow heartbeat, stopped heart