Expert: Eric Brandt - 7/3/2007

Question
I was prescribed a medication for high blood pressure called metoprolol 25mg because at my doctors appointment my blood pressure was 160/100 however I have checked my blood pressure at home and its been normal now for a while. I am also on proventil which the poison control center says interacts with the metoprolol so I want to know if I can just return the metoprolol to the pharmacy and tell them that I dont need it and dont want it. I dont really know what to do with it now but I know it would be dangerous for me to take it since im on proventil. Can I do that?

Answer
Hi Ashlee,
You must not stop taking your medication before talking with your doctor first.
Once a prescription leaves the store it is not legal for the pharmacist to take it back and re-use it. That it the law here in Canada.
Metoprolol is a beta blocker and can aggrevate your respiratory problem for which you take Proventil. The interaction is relative and you may be able to take the two depending on the dose and risk vs benefit assessment. Check with your doctor.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm