Drug Identification for Generic Lopressor
Question: My father has asked me to help ID a medication for him. He normally takes a generic Lopressor. I think his pharmacy switched generics on him and he has a pill he is not sure of. It is a round unscored pill with GG 264 stamped on it. Can you help me identify this medicine?

Answer: The generic name for Lopressor is metoprolol. You can tell whether your pharmacy has switched manufacturers by the code. Did your previous medication have the same or a different code? Each pill has a different code. I don't have the pharmacy index, but it is a simple home comparison.

Brand Name/Generic Drugs
Question: What recommendations would you make concerning generic vs. brand name drugs for patients?

Answer: In general, I don't have many reservations about generic drugs. I do prefer that pharmacies do not switch generic companies repeatedly since most drugs can be adjusted regardless of their biologic activity. I have had occasional patients who seem to be better off on brand name rather than generic drugs. This has happened about 5-10 times over the last 10 years. I would recommend that you know the name of the company making your drugs and be alert if the pharmacist switches for any change in symptoms.

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