Key takeaways
- Metoprolol is a drug called a beta-blocker. It’s used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and angina (chest pain).
- Dosages of metoprolol may vary depending on the condition being treated and the form of the drug prescribed.
Metoprolol is a generic prescription drug. Here are a few fast facts about metoprolol:
- Metoprolol is available in different salt forms. Metoprolol tartrate comes as an oral tablet. Metoprolol succinate comes as an extended-release (ER) oral tablet.
- Metoprolol oral tablets are available as the brand-name drugs Lopressor and Toprol XL.
Note: Metoprolol also comes as an injection, but this article will focus on the oral tablet forms of the drug.
Both forms of metoprolol — metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate — are used to:
- lower high blood pressure
- reduce chest pain (angina)
However, metoprolol tartrate is also used to treat and prevent heart attacks, while metoprolol succinate is also used to treat heart failure.
Metoprolol may be used as part of a combination therapy. That means you may have to take it with hydrochlorothiazide or chlorthalidone.
How it works
Both versions of metoprolol belong to a class of drugs called beta-blockers. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Blood pressure is often raised because blood vessels are tightened. This puts a strain on the heart and increases the body’s oxygen demand.
Beta-blockers work by preventing norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline) from acting on beta receptors in the heart. This causes the heart to beat more slowly and with less force. By reducing the heart rate and the force of contraction, beta-blockers decrease the heart’s demand for oxygen. This in turn helps lower blood pressure and reduce chest pain.
Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.
Metoprolol oral tablet can cause certain side effects.
Note: These lists do not include all possible side effects of metoprolol. For more information, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or refer to the prescribing information for metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate.
More common side effects
The more common side effects that can occur with metoprolol include:
- tiredness
- dizziness
- diarrhea
- constipation
- breathing problems such as shortness of breath, cough, and wheezing
- bradycardia (heart rate that’s slower than normal)
- reduced interest in sex
- rash
If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Experiencing side effects? After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews its side effects. If you develop a side effect while taking this medication and want to report it to the FDA, you can visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of metoprolol can include the following:
- low blood pressure (hypotension)
- cold hands and feet
- very slow heart rate (severe bradycardia)
- extreme fatigue
- depression
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Metoprolol oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with metoprolol include:
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as isocarboxazid or phenelzine
- heart rhythm drugs, such as digoxin or quinidine
- calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine or nifedipine
- drugs processed the same way as metoprolol, such as fluoxetine, terbinafine, or ritonavir
- alpha-blockers, such as clonidine or prazosin
- ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine
- dipyridamole
Quick tip: Create a medication list of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements you take to share with your doctor and pharmacist to help prevent interactions.
All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. Your dosage, form, and how often you take the drug may depend on your age, the condition being treated, or other medical conditions you have.
Below are the recommended dosages for metoprolol tartrate in adults, which comes as an immediate-release (IR) oral tablet.
| Condition | Typical maintenance dosage |
|---|---|
| high blood pressure | 100 to 450 mg per day taken in one or two doses |
| chest pain | 100 to 400 mg per day taken in one or two doses |
| after a heart attack | 100 mg taken twice per day |
Below are the recommended dosages for metoprolol succinate in adults, which comes as an extended-release (ER) oral tablet.
| Condition | Typical maintenance dosage |
|---|---|
| high blood pressure | starting at 25 to 100 mg taken once daily and gradually increasing if needed (maximum dose is 400 mg per day) |
| chest pain | 100 mg taken once daily and gradually increasing if needed (maximum dose is 400 mg per day) |
| heart failure | • starting dosage: For people with NYHA Class II heart failure, it’s 25 mg once daily for 2 weeks. For people with more severe heart failure, it’s 12.5 mg once daily. • maintenance dosage: Your doctor can double the dosage every 2 weeks to the highest dosage level your body will tolerate, or up to 200 mg per day. |
Children’s dosage
Metoprolol succinate can be used for high blood pressure in children ages 6 to 17 years. Below are the recommended dosages for children for this condition:
- Typical starting dosage: 1 mg/kg once daily (maximum initial dose should not exceed 50 mg once daily). This dosage may be gradually increased if needed.
- Maximum dosage: 2 mg/kg (or 200 mg) once daily.
Metoprolol tartrate is not approved for use in this age group.
Overdose
Taking too much metoprolol can lead to harmful effects. Symptoms of an overdose of metoprolol include:
- severe low blood pressure
- heart rhythm changes
- nausea
- vomiting
If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from the Poison Help at 800-222-1222 or through their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
It may not be safe to take metoprolol with certain health conditions. Be sure to let your doctor know if you:
The cost of metoprolol can vary depending on:
- your location
- the pharmacy you use
- the form of metoprolol you are taking
- your insurance coverage
Talk with your doctor or insurance provider for more information about your cost of metoprolol.
There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Here are a few examples:
- angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as lisinopril (Prinivil)
- angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), such as losartan (Cozaar)
- diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix)
Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.
If you have high blood pressure, chest pain, or heart failure, your doctor may prescribe metoprolol. It comes in two salt forms, one that is available as an IR oral tablet and one that is available as an ER oral tablet.
Talk with your doctor about whether metoprolol is right for you.
Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.