..."LA, XL" beta blockers

[cynthia]

I've noticed some take Toprol XL or Inderol LA...what does this stand for? I'm guessing the "LA" is long acting??? what is the difference ? :?

[annamc]

I'm not quite sure, but they could be the same. XL meaning Extended Release and LA meaning Long Acting. I'm thinking it means the same. :)

[Lisa Salberg]

Same concept..they are both long acting which means they have an extended release.
Lisa

[cynthia]

what type of HCM symtoms would these be used instead of a regular beta blocker such as atenolol?? :?

[nirvana]

Cynthia, the long lasting medicines are the same as other ones. Its just that you do not have to take the medicine twice or thrice a day - take the long lasting ones *only once a day* and the tablet autmatically releases a constant amount of the chemical regularly for 24 hours.

All the long lasting ones do is make it easier for you and also keep the level of medicine in your blood stream at the same level throughout the day.

[Glen Beamish]

Cynthia, The Inderal I took was not long lasting, so I had to take it 4 times a day.
When I switched to Atenolol I only take one in the morning.

[cynthia]

Is the main reason for taking beta blockers for say "skipped" or premature beats??? Calling my local cardiologist today..havent received results of a recent Holter. I've been getting a lot of these. I just hope the beta blocker (an increase possibly) will help me. I know that radio frequency ablation is the last option and dont want to have ANYTHING the least bit invasive

[Reenie]

Most people take beta blockers to soften the heart beat and to allow the heart to rest more between beats, therefore allowing it to fill more thoroughly with blood. It can help with arrhythmias and other symptoms too. Talk to your doctor.

Reenie