Metoprolol oral tablets are generic prescription drugs used to treat some heart problems and high blood pressure. Metoprolol oral tablets might be taken once or twice per day, depending on your condition.
Metoprolol oral tablets come in two forms:
- immediate-release tablets, called metoprolol tartrate
- extended-release tablets, called metoprolol succinate
Both of these forms of metoprolol can be used to:
- help prevent angina (a type of chest pain)
- treat high blood pressure
Additionally, metoprolol succinate is used to treat heart failure. And metoprolol tartrate is used for “early” treatment of a heart attack or to help prevent one from occurring in the future.
Both metoprolol succinate and metoprolol tartrate can be used in adults. In addition, metoprolol succinate can be used in some children with high blood pressure.
To learn more, see the “What is metoprolol used for?” section below.
Metoprolol brand-name versions
Metoprolol is a generic drug, which means it’s an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Metoprolol succinate oral tablet is available as the brand-name drug Toprol XL. And metoprolol tartrate oral tablet is available as the brand-name drug Lopressor.
Generic drugs are thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name drug they’re based on. In general, generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
If you’d like to know more about using Lopressor or Toprol XL instead of generic metoprolol, talk with your doctor. You can also read this article to learn more about the differences between generic and brand-name drugs.
Note: Different forms of metoprolol succinate or metoprolol tartrate are available in other brand-name versions. To learn about these other versions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Like most drugs, metoprolol oral tablets may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that this drug may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.
Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:
- your age
- other health conditions you have
- other medications you may be taking
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of metoprolol oral tablets. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.
Mild side effects
Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that metoprolol oral tablets can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read the prescribing information for metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate.
Mild side effects of metoprolol oral tablets that have been reported include:
- feeling more tired than usual
- dizziness
- headache
- insomnia
- decreased heart rate
- shortness of breath or wheezing
- cold hands and feet
- swelling in your arms or legs
- nausea, vomiting, gas, or diarrhea
- rash
Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from metoprolol oral tablets can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from metoprolol oral tablets, call your doctor right away. However, if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects of metoprolol oral tablets that have been reported include:
- depression
- low blood pressure (see “Side effect focus” below to learn more)
Side effect focus
Learn more about some of the side effects metoprolol oral tablets may cause. You can also find in-depth information on metoprolol’s side effects in this article.
Low blood pressure
It’s possible that metoprolol oral tablets may cause low blood pressure. In fact, low blood pressure is one of the most common side effects of this drug.
When you’re taking metoprolol oral tablets, you should be aware of symptoms of low blood pressure. This is important so that if you have low blood pressure, you can treat it. In some cases, low blood pressure can be serious.
Some symptoms of low blood pressure include:
- dizziness
- nausea
- blurry vision
- fainting
- cold or clammy skin
What might help
If you have an at-home blood pressure cuff or monitor, your doctor might recommend that you regularly check your blood pressure to watch for significant or consistent decreases.
If you have symptoms of low blood pressure, see your doctor right away. They’ll be able to help increase your blood pressure to a safe level. They may also recommend decreasing your dosage of metoprolol so that your blood pressure doesn’t become too low again.
If you have more questions or concerns about low blood pressure while you’re taking metoprolol, talk with your doctor.
Allergic reactionSome people may have an allergic reaction to metoprolol oral tablets.
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking metoprolol.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to metoprolol, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Your doctor will recommend the dosage of metoprolol oral tablet that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.
Forms and strengths
Metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate both come as tablets that you’ll swallow. They’re available in two forms:
- immediate-release tablets, called metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
- extended-release tablets, called metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
Immediate-release forms work as soon as you take them. Extended-release forms work consistently over a period of time after you take them.
Metoprolol tartrate comes in these strengths:
- 25 milligrams (mg)
- 37.5 mg
- 50 mg
- 75 mg
- 100 mg
And metoprolol succinate comes in these strengths:
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
- 200 mg
You can refer to this article for details about how metoprolol succinate and metoprolol tartrate compare.
Note: Metoprolol tartrate can also be given as an injection in your vein to treat an acute (sudden) heart attack. Metoprolol succinate is also available as a capsule that you swallow. Only oral tablets of metoprolol succinate and metoprolol tartrate are described in this article. If you’d like to learn about metoprolol’s other forms, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Recommended dosages
How often you’ll take metoprolol depends on:
- which form of the drug you’re taking
- the condition you’re treating
If you’re taking immediate-release metoprolol oral tablets, you may take them once or twice daily. If you’re taking extended-release metoprolol oral tablets, you’ll take them once daily.
For treating a heart attack, you may start taking metoprolol in the hospital. You’ll usually receive the drug as an injection into your vein when you first start it for heart attack treatment. Then, your doctor will switch you to the oral tablet form of the drug.
For treating heart failure, you’ll start taking metoprolol after you’ve taken other drugs for your condition.
Over time, your doctor will adjust your dosage of metoprolol to the dosage that works best for you.
Children’s dosage
The dosage of metoprolol succinate for children with high blood pressure depends on the child’s body weight. They’ll take the drug once daily. Your child’s doctor will recommend the dosage that’s right for your child.
Questions about metoprolol’s dosing
Below are some common questions about metoprolol oral tablet’s dosing.
- Should metoprolol oral tablets be taken at night? Because metoprolol tartrate is usually taken twice each day, it should be taken in the morning and at night. But metoprolol succinate is taken only once each day. So you can take it either in the morning or at night. Be sure to take the drug at about the same time or times each day. This way the medication will be most effective for you.
- What if I miss a dose of metoprolol oral tablets? If you miss a dose of metoprolol oral tablets, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose when it’s due. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
- Will I need to take metoprolol oral tablets long term? Yes. If metoprolol is an effective treatment option for you, your doctor will likely recommend that you take it long term.
- How long do metoprolol oral tablets take to work? Metoprolol oral tablets will begin working as soon as you take them. But in some cases, it may be a few weeks before you see the full benefits from taking metoprolol oral tablets. If you don’t notice a difference in your condition after starting metoprolol, discuss this with your doctor. But never stop taking metoprolol oral tablets without first talking with your doctor.
Your doctor will explain how you should take metoprolol oral tablets. They’ll also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
Taking metoprolol
You’ll take metoprolol oral tablets by swallowing them.
It’s important that you take metoprolol exactly as your doctor has prescribed it, regardless of the form of metoprolol you’re prescribed. Do not suddenly stop taking metoprolol without first talking with your doctor. Suddenly stopping it can cause very serious side effects, including worsening chest pain and even heart attack. For more information, see the “What are metoprolol oral tablet’s side effects?” section above.
Taking metoprolol with other drugs
In many cases, your doctor may recommend that you take metoprolol with other drugs for your condition.
For example, doctors may prescribe multiple medications to manage blood pressure. It’s possible that for high blood pressure, you’ll take metoprolol along with another blood pressure medication.
Examples of other blood pressure medications that may be given include:
- lisinopril (Qbrelis, Zestril)
- losartan (Cozaar)
- amlodipine (Norliqva, Norvasc, others)
- hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your condition. They’ll recommend whether you should take metoprolol oral tablets together with other drugs.
Questions about taking metoprolol
Below are some questions related to taking metoprolol oral tablets.
- Can metoprolol oral tablets be chewed, crushed, or split? You should not chew or crush either form of metoprolol oral tablets. This is because chewing or crushing them may change the way they work in your body. If you have trouble swallowing your metoprolol tablets, the tablets can be split on their score line. (This is a line imprinted across each tablet.) You should swallow whole tablets or half tablets, without chewing or crushing them.
- Should I take metoprolol oral tablets with food? Yes, you should take doses of metoprolol with food or right after you’ve had a meal.
- Is there a best time of day to take metoprolol oral tablets? There’s no best time of day to take this drug. But taking your doses around the same time each day helps to keep a steady level of the drug in your body. This helps metoprolol work effectively.
Questions for your doctorYou may have questions about metoprolol oral tablets and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.
Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:
- Before your appointment, write down questions like:
- How will metoprolol oral tablets affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
- Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
- If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.
Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.
Find answers to some commonly asked questions about metoprolol oral tablets.
Is metoprolol used for anxiety or Afib? If so, what’s the dosage for these conditions?
Metoprolol is not approved to treat anxiety or atrial fibrillation (Afib). But in some cases, your doctor may recommend that you take metoprolol for these conditions. This is called off-label use. (With off-label use, a medication is prescribed for a condition that’s different than what it’s approved to treat.)
Although metoprolol isn’t approved to treat anxiety, beta-blockers may help reduce symptoms of anxiety. Keep in mind that metoprolol is a beta-blocker. One review stated that beta-blockers may be prescribed off-label for anxiety and social anxiety.
In addition, metoprolol is being studied as a treatment for Afib. (Afib is a condition that causes an irregular heart rhythm.)
At this time, metoprolol isn’t approved to treat anxiety or Afib. Because the drug isn’t approved for these uses, there aren’t any recommended dosages for them.
If your doctor recommends that you take metoprolol off-label for your condition, they’ll recommend the best dosage for you.
Is metoprolol a beta-blocker, ACE inhibitor, or diuretic?
Metoprolol belongs to the group of drugs called beta-blockers. Like metoprolol, other drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and diuretics can be used to treat certain heart conditions.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you take metoprolol along with an ACE inhibitor or diuretic.
An easy way to tell which medications are beta-blockers is to look at the last few letters of the generic drug’s name. Beta-blocker names all end in “lol.” Here’s a list of some examples of beta-blockers:
Examples of ACE inhibitors include:
- lisinopril (Qbrelis, Zestril)
- ramipril (Altace)
- enalapril (Epaned, Vasotec)
- quinapril
And finally, examples of diuretics include:
- hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
- furosemide (Furoscix, Lasix)
- bumetanide (Bumex)
- spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir)
If you have questions about the best medication to treat your condition, talk with your doctor.
How does metoprolol work? What’s its half-life and how long does it stay in your system?
Metoprolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-blockers. It works by slowing down your heart rate and relaxing your blood vessels.
This is how the drug helps to decrease your blood pressure and help prevent angina (a type of chest pain). In addition, metoprolol tartrate works to help prevent or treat heart attacks and metoprolol succinate treats heart failure. (To learn more about these two forms of metoprolol, see the “What is metoprolol oral tablet’s dosage?” section above.)
Metoprolol has a half-life of between 3 and 7 hours. This means that after 3 to 7 hours, half of a dose of the drug has been eliminated from your body.
Metoprolol succinate is the extended-release form of metoprolol. It’s released consistently over a period of time in your body, instead of all at once. If you take metoprolol succinate, you have a consistent amount of drug in your blood that’s slowly released from the tablet throughout the day.
Metoprolol tartrate, on the other hand, is an immediate-release form of metoprolol. It can cause a higher level of drug in your body right after you take your dose. This level then decreases over time. So if you’re taking immediate-release metoprolol, you may have to take doses more often than you would with extended-release metoprolol.
If you have more questions about how metoprolol works and which form of the drug is best for you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How long does it take for metoprolol to work?
Metoprolol oral tablets start to work within about 1 hour after you take a dose. But it might take about a week for the drug’s heart-rate-lowering effects to be fully seen.
Keep in mind that metoprolol tartrate is immediate release, and metoprolol succinate is extended release. Each form starts working within about 1 hour, but the effects of metoprolol succinate generally last longer than the effects of metoprolol tartrate.
What should I know about metoprolol vs. propranolol and carvedilol?
Metoprolol, propranolol, and carvedilol all belong to the same group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers all work in a similar way to decrease blood pressure and relax your blood vessels so that your blood can flow more freely.
Each medication comes in two forms: an extended-release form and an immediate-release form. Immediate-release forms work as soon as you take them. Extended-release forms work consistently over a period of time after you take them.
Depending on the form of each drug prescribed, some shared uses of metoprolol, propranolol, and carvedilol include:
- helping prevent angina (a type of chest pain)
- treating high blood pressure
- treating heart failure
- treating heart attack soon after it happens or helping prevent one from occurring in the future
These medications have some unique uses, too.
Metoprolol, propranolol, and carvedilol are similar because they’re all beta-blockers. But they do have some differences, including:
- their prescribed doses
- how often they’re taken
- their possible side effects
If you have questions about which medication is right for you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does metoprolol interact with grapefruit?
No, metoprolol doesn’t interact with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
But other drugs used for heart-related conditions may interact with grapefruit. For instance, the following drugs may have an interaction with grapefruit:
- the high blood pressure drug nifedipine (Procardia)
- the high cholesterol drug atorvastatin (Atorvaliq, Lipitor)
If you’re taking metoprolol, you may also be taking other medications that could interact with grapefruit.
If you’re concerned about any of your medications interacting with grapefruit, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They’ll help you determine whether your medications interact with grapefruit.
Can metoprolol cause weight gain?
In rare cases, weight gain has been reported as a side effect of some forms of metoprolol. But it’s not known how often this side effect may occur or whether metoprolol actually causes it.
In addition, weight gain can happen with heart failure, which metoprolol is used to treat. In some rare cases, metoprolol may make symptoms of heart failure worse. For example, when your dose of metoprolol is increased, you may notice more symptoms of heart failure. So be sure to tell your doctor if you notice any changes in symptoms of heart failure, including weight gain.
If you gain weight while you’re taking metoprolol, tell your doctor. They’ll help you determine what’s causing the weight gain.
Is metoprolol a blood thinner?
No, metoprolol is not a blood thinner. It belongs to a group of drugs called beta-blockers, which doctors prescribe to treat certain heart problems.
Beta-blockers relax your blood vessels and slow down your heart rate to decrease your blood pressure. Blood thinners are a different group of drugs, which means they work differently than metoprolol.
If you have more questions about how this drug works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does metoprolol lower blood pressure?
Yes, metoprolol lowers blood pressure by slowing down your heart rate and relaxing your blood vessels.
In addition to treating high blood pressure, this drug may be taken for several other purposes. Doctors may also prescribe metoprolol to:
- help prevent angina (a type of chest pain)
- treat heart failure
- treat a heart attack or help prevent one from occurring in the future
But metoprolol’s uses vary based on the version your doctor prescribes. For more information, see the “What is metoprolol used for?” section below.
Are side effects of metoprolol different in older adults than its side effects in younger adults?
In studies, side effects of metoprolol oral tablets in older adults (ages 65 years and over) weren’t different from those in younger people. But older adults may have an increased risk of side effects from metoprolol. With age, your kidneys and liver work slower in eliminating drugs from your body.
Because of this, older people may have more metoprolol in their bodies over a longer period. And this may increase their risk of side effects, such as dizziness or feeling sleepy. In older adults, these side effects may be especially dangerous because they can increase the risk of falls.
Older adults may also have decreased heart function or other medical conditions that can increase their risk of side effects with metoprolol.
If you’re an older adult, your doctor may recommend that you start taking a low dose of metoprolol. Then, your doctor can adjust your dosage so that it’s effective yet causes you the least amount of side effects. By starting with a low dose of metoprolol, your doctor can decrease your risk of serious side effects of the drug.
If you have questions about side effects of metoprolol that may occur in older adults, talk with your doctor.
Before you start taking metoprolol oral tablets, you should discuss your overall health with your doctor. Be sure to tell them about any other health conditions you have and other medications or supplements you’re taking. This will help them determine whether metoprolol is a safe treatment option for you.
These and other considerations are described below.
Interactions
Taking medications, vaccines, foods, and other things with a certain drug can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions.
Before taking metoprolol oral tablets, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also describe any herbs or vitamins and supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with metoprolol oral tablet.
Interactions with drugs or supplements
Metoprolol oral tablets can interact with several types of drugs, including:
- drugs that affect your heart rhythm
- drugs used for depression or mood problems
- high blood pressure medications, including verapamil (Verelan)
- antihistamines
- drugs used for infections such as malaria or fungal infections
- drugs used for migraine
- dipyridamole (Persantine), which is a drug that decreases the risk of stroke
- the HIV drug ritonavir (Norvir)
This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with metoprolol oral tablets. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with use of metoprolol oral tablet.
Other interactions
It’s possible that metoprolol oral tablets can interact with things besides other medications.
For example, metoprolol oral tablets may interact with caffeine. Eating foods or drinking beverages that have caffeine in them can make metoprolol less effective. So if you’re consuming caffeine with metoprolol, the drug may not work as well to treat your condition.
If you consume caffeine, talk with your doctor about an amount that’s safe for you to have while you’re taking metoprolol.
Warnings
Metoprolol oral tablets may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take metoprolol oral tablets. Factors to consider include those in the list below.
- Slow heart rate: If you have a slow heart rate, metoprolol will slow your heart rate even more. In fact, having a very slow heart rate is a contraindication to taking metoprolol oral tablets. (A contraindication is a reason that you should not take a certain medication.) So if your heart rate is too low, your doctor will likely recommend a different medication for you.
- Liver problems: If you have liver problems, tell your doctor before you take metoprolol oral tablets. Your body gets rid of metoprolol by processing it through your liver. If your liver isn’t working as well as it should, the drug may build up in your body. And this can increase your risk of side effects. If you have any liver problems, your doctor may have you start taking a lower dosage of metoprolol than usual.
- Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to metoprolol oral tablets or any of their ingredients, you should not take the drug. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
- Lung conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): If you have lung conditions such as asthma or COPD, your doctor may recommend a different medication for you. This is because metoprolol oral tablets may affect your breathing and cause your lung condition to worsen. If you have any lung conditions, tell your doctor before you take metoprolol. They may recommend another medication for you. Or they may monitor you more often than usual during treatment.
- Diabetes or low blood sugar: Metoprolol may mask or decrease symptoms of a low blood sugar level. So if you have diabetes or a low blood sugar level, it’s important that you’re able to recognize when you have low blood sugar. Then you can treat it right away. Having untreated low blood sugar can lead to serious complications. Your doctor may recommend that you monitor your blood sugar level more often than usual if you’re taking metoprolol. Or they may recommend a different medication for you.
- Thyroid problems: If you have thyroid problems, metoprolol can decrease symptoms of your thyroid condition. Because of this, you may not realize that your thyroid hormone levels are different than usual. In some cases, this can be serious. Additionally, suddenly stopping metoprolol can cause thyroid storm to occur. This is a life threatening condition resulting from an overactive thyroid. If you have any thyroid problems, tell your doctor before starting metoprolol. They may recommend a different medication for you or they may monitor your thyroid more often than usual during treatment.
- Blood circulation problems: If you have any problems with your blood circulation, metoprolol can make your condition worse. If you have blood circulation problems, tell your doctor before you start taking metoprolol. They may recommend a different medication for you.
- Certain heart conditions: If you have certain heart conditions, your doctor will not prescribe metoprolol oral tablets. A few examples include heart block, sick sinus syndrome, and severe problems with blood circulation. These conditions are contraindications for using metoprolol. Suddenly stopping metoprolol can also lead to a heart attack or worsen angina. Your doctor will recommend whether it’s safe to start taking metoprolol and how to safely stop it.
Metoprolol and alcohol
Typically, your doctor will recommend that you avoid drinking alcohol while you’re taking metoprolol. This is because both alcohol and metoprolol can lower your blood pressure. Drinking alcohol while you’re taking metoprolol can cause your blood pressure to become too low, which can be dangerous.
If you drink alcohol and have questions about it while you’re taking metoprolol oral tablets, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a different medication for you.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether metoprolol oral tablets are safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a medication other than metoprolol for you.
Metoprolol passes into the breast milk of people who are taking the drug. But it’s present in a very small amount. If you’re breastfeeding, tell your doctor before taking metoprolol. They’ll be able to discuss the safety of breastfeeding while you’re taking this drug.
If you have certain heart problems, your doctor may recommend metoprolol oral tablet for you. It’s a prescription drug that’s available in two forms:
- immediate-release tablets, called metoprolol tartrate
- extended-release tablets, called metoprolol succinate
To learn more about immediate-release tablets and extended-release tablets, see the “What is metoprolol oral tablet’s dosage?” section above.
Both of these forms of metoprolol can be used to:
- help prevent angina (a type of chest pain)
- treat high blood pressure
Additionally, metoprolol succinate is used to treat heart failure. With heart failure, your heart doesn’t work as well as it should to pump your blood.
And metoprolol tartrate is used to treat a heart attack or help prevent one from occurring in the future. With heart attack, blood flow to your heart muscle is impaired.
Both metoprolol succinate and metoprolol tartrate can be used in adults. In addition, metoprolol succinate can be used in children ages 6 years and older with high blood pressure. Metoprolol succinate isn’t used for any other conditions in children. It’s not known whether metoprolol tartrate may be used in children.
Metoprolol oral tablets work by decreasing your heart rate and blood pressure. They help your heart pump blood more easily throughout your body.
Do not take more metoprolol oral tablets than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- very low heart rate
- decreased blood pressure
- fainting
- nausea or vomiting
- coma
What to do in case you take too much metoprolol
Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much metoprolol or if you accidentally took a double dose. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. However, if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Both metoprolol and atenolol belong to a group of drugs called beta-blockers. They work in very similar ways to treat heart problems.
Metoprolol and atenolol have some shared uses, including:
- treating high blood pressure
- treating angina (a type of chest pain)
- helping prevent or treat heart attack
These medications both come as tablets that you swallow.
Both atenolol and metoprolol tartrate are immediate-release medications. In comparison, metoprolol succinate is an extended-release medication. Immediate-release forms work as soon as you take them. Extended-release forms work consistently over a period of time after you take them.
If you’d like to know more about how these drugs compare, see this article. And talk with your doctor about which drug is better for your condition.
Both metoprolol and bisoprolol belong to a group of drugs called beta-blockers. These two drugs work in similar ways, but they also have some differences.
Metoprolol and bisoprolol are each used to treat high blood pressure. In addition, metoprolol is used for:
- treating angina (a type of chest pain)
- helping prevent or treat heart attack
These medications both come as a tablet you swallow. Both bisoprolol and metoprolol tartrate are immediate-release medications. In comparison, metoprolol succinate is an extended-release medication. Immediate-release forms work as soon as you take them. Extended-release forms work consistently over a period of time after you take them.
Metoprolol and bisoprolol may cause similar side effects. For an overview of bisoprolol, see this article. You can talk with your doctor or a pharmacist about how these drugs compare.
Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering metoprolol. What you’ll pay for metoprolol oral tablets may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use.
Here are a few things to consider regarding cost:
- Cost information and savings coupons: You can visit Optum Perks* to get price estimates of what you’d pay for metoprolol when using coupons from the site. See the coupon options below. (Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.)
- Savings program: If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Financial assistance to help you pay for metoprolol oral tablets may be available. Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites that provide resources to help reduce the cost of metoprolol oral tablets.
You can refer to this article for details about the cost of metoprolol treatment. You can also check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.
* Optum Perks is a sister site of Healthline.
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Before you start taking metoprolol oral tablets, you may wish to ask your doctor or pharmacist some questions. Here are some questions that may help you:
- Is metoprolol tartrate or metoprolol succinate better for my condition?
- What happens if I become pregnant while I’m taking metoprolol?
- Can metoprolol tartrate or metoprolol succinate cause hair loss?
- Do any of my other medications or supplements interact with metoprolol oral tablets?
To learn more about metoprolol, see these articles:
- Metoprolol and Cost: What You Need to Know
- Side Effects of Metoprolol Oral Tablet: What You Need to Know
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Q:
Am I at increased risk for side effects with metoprolol if I’m also taking other medications for my heart condition?
Anonymous
A:
Maybe. Metoprolol can interact with some medications that treat heart conditions. But the severity of these interactions varies.
You should tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking or have recently stopped taking. You should also tell them about any side effects that you experience with treatment.
This is important, even if you’re not sure if the side effects are from metoprolol or if you’re not taking any other medications.
Your doctor will work with you to find the dosage of metoprolol that’s best for you. Or they may recommend that you try taking a different medication.
The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
