What is Metoprolol (Lopressor / Toprol XL)?
Metoprolol is the generic form of the drug Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate) and is also marketed as Toprol XL, Betaloc and Lopresor. It is a prescription medicine that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), as it aids in lowering the blood pressure and helps in preventing heart attacks, strokes and kidney problems. It is also used to prevent and treat chest pain (angina) and improves chances of survival after a heart attack. In some cases, it can also be used to treat an irregular heartbeat.
Metoprolol is a beta blocker. These are medications that work by blocking the effects of the hormone adrenaline, also known as epinephrine. These drugs relax the blood vessels and slow down the heart rate, which in turn improves the blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
Metoprolol is sometimes prescribed as a long-term treatment for heart failure, this form of the drug is known as Toprol XL. However, it can be used as a long or short-term treatment.
It is sometimes used in conjunction with other medication, using it as part of a combination therapy, alongside chlorthalidone or hydrochlorothiazide. It can also be used to treat conditions aside from heart issues, such as movement disorders which are caused by drugs used to treat mental illnesses, and can also help in treating migraine headaches.
In 1978, metoprolol was approved under the brand name of Lopressor. It is widely used today as an effective prescription drug by doctors worldwide. It is normally taken orally in the form of a hard and coated pill.
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