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Blood pressure, which is a silent killer, is matter of concern and there are several drugs available, which can be used to combat blood pressure. One such drug is Toprol.

Read below to know more about how to use it effectively:

Toprol (or Toprol-XL) belongs to the group of drugs known as beta-blockers.

These drugs directly affect the heart and blood circulation. Angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high blood pressure) are the two ailments that are treated with Toprol. It is also used to treat and prevent cardiac arrests.

Before taking this medication you should inform your doctor, if you have certain health problems like:

Asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other respiratory problems, Diabetes, low blood pressure, any heart problem like heart block, sick sinus syndrome, congestive heart failure, Depression, Liver, kidney problems, Thyroid disorder, Myasthenia gravis, pheochromocytoma, and Raynaud's syndrome. Also toprol should be avoided during pregnancy, as it can harm the unborn baby. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy. Toprol can also pass onto breast milk, so avoid it if you are lactating.

How to take this medicine.

* Drink at least one full glass of water with every dose

* Take the daily dose at the same time

* Extended release tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or broken. Swallow the pill intact because it is made specially to release the medicine slowly over a long period of time.

* Try and not to skip a dose. Even more important, do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advise.

* Blood pressure should be checked regularly to make sure that Toprol is actually doing its job. Do not miss, to visit your doctor as advised.

* If you happen to need any type of surgery then inform the surgeon about taking Toprol, as it might be necessary to stop taking it for a short while.

* Toprol is usually combined with diet control and exercise programs when treating hypertension. So follow the other regimen as diligently as you take the medication.

* Hypertension has no noticeable symptoms. If you feel well then do not stop taking Toprol until your doctor says so. Unfortunately, some people need to keep taking blood pressure medication for their entire lives. However, always take it exactly as prescribed by the doctor.

Toprol should be stored at room temperature, in a cool and dry place. It is highly important that the use of Toprol is not cut off abruptly, without consulting a doctor first. A sudden stoppage can result in deterioration of the existing condition.

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Toprol as it can affect thinking and judgment. Alcohol is to be strictly avoided, when taking Toprol.

Since hypertension does not really have any symptoms that patients can determine on their own, it is very likely that during the course of the medication, a patient might feel so good, that the temptation to discontinue with the medication, will be strong. It is always suggested that, before making such important decisions, you consult your doctor.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Toprol.