Interactions of Lopressor with alcohol, supplements, and other substances
Lopressor is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed for high blood pressure and certain heart conditions in adults. However, it's crucial to be aware of the contraindications and potential interactions with other medications and substances before taking Lopressor.
Contraindications for Lopressor in cases of heart or blood vessel problems include severe bradycardia (very slow heart rate), second- or third-degree heart block (serious electrical conduction abnormalities in the heart), cardiogenic shock (a life-threatening condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood), systolic blood pressure below 100 mmHg (hypotension), systolic heart failure, especially when combined with certain other medications like epoprostenol, and patients with reactive airway diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
These contraindications exist because Lopressor's beta-blocking effects can further reduce heart rate, cardiac output, and blood pressure and can exacerbate breathing problems in susceptible individuals.
Serious allergic reactions to Lopressor also contraindicate its use and require immediate discontinuation.
It's essential to be cautious when taking Lopressor with certain medications, as interactions can occur. For instance, taking Lopressor with clonidine, hydralazine, diphenhydramine, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can increase the risk of side effects from Lopressor. Additionally, taking Lopressor with diphenhydramine can raise the level of Lopressor in your system, potentially increasing the risk of side effects from Lopressor.
Before you start treatment with Lopressor, inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take to prevent possible interactions. Diphenhydramine is available over the counter and is found in many OTC cold medications.
There are no specific reports of herbs, vitamins, food, vaccines, lab tests, or cannabis/CBD interacting with Lopressor, but it's important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products during Lopressor treatment.
Lastly, if you've had an allergic reaction to Lopressor, any of its ingredients, or another beta-blocker, your doctor will likely not prescribe Lopressor. Always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication.
To ensure the safe and effective use of Lopressor, always read the label and other information that may come with the drug, as they may have colored stickers that mention an interaction or contain details about interactions. If Lopressor doesn't come with paperwork, ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need to ease symptoms of allergies while taking Lopressor, talk with your doctor or pharmacist to find medications that are safe to take with Lopressor. In case of any concerns or questions about Lopressor, always consult your healthcare professional.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Metoprolol. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/metoprolol-oral-route/description/drg-20069387 [2] Drugs.com. (2021). Metoprolol. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/mtm/metoprolol.html [3] MedlinePlus. (2021). Metoprolol. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682388.html [5] RxList. (2021). Lopressor. Retrieved from https://www.rxlist.com/lopressor-drug.htm
- Deciders should be aware of potential drug interactions between Lopressor and other medications, such as clonidine, hydralazine, diphenhydramine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and epoprostenol, before deciding to take Lopressor for hypertension or cardiovascular health-related conditions.
- Patients who have had allergic reactions to Lopressor, its ingredients, or other beta-blockers, should not take Lopressor for their medical-conditions due to the high risk of allergic reactions.
- For individuals taking Lopressor, it might be beneficial to consult their healthcare professional before using products like herbs, vitamins, food, vaccines, lab tests, or cannabis/CBD to avoid any interactions that may impact their health-and-wellness.
