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The Curious Bag
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Treatment for hypertension---a chronic disease where a person's blood pressure is above normal limits---includes antihypertensive medications such as Coreg and Toprol.
Drug Classification
Coreg and Toprol are brand-name versions of generic drugs carvedilol and metoprolol, respectively. Classified as beta-blockers, they act by blocking the beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, causing the heart to beat at a slower rate, decreasing blood pressure.
Drug Interactions
According to Judith Deglin and April Vallerand in their book, "Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses," a person taking Toprol or Coreg may experience extremely low blood pressure if using other antihyperintensives concurrently.
Side Effects
MayoClinic.com states that beta-blockers such as Coreg and Toprol may cause dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness, and patients should report any such reactions to their doctor.
Fall Prevention
According to Deglin and Vallerand, patients using Coreg or Toprol should get up slowly from a sitting or lying position, to avoid dizziness and falls.
Mental Status
MayoClinic.com suggests patients taking Coreg or Toprol not drive or do any activity requiring alertness until they know how it affects them, as either drug may cause drowsiness.
Source:
"Davis's Drug Guide For Nurses"; Judith H. Deglin and April H. Vallerand; 2007.
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