This article describes metoprolol’s dosages, strengths, and details on how it’s taken. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for metoprolol. If you want to know more about metoprolol, see these overview articles for metoprolol and metoprolol extended release. These articles cover details about the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Metoprolol immediate-release oral tablets are a generic version of the brand-name drug Lopressor. Metoprolol extended-release oral tablets are a generic version of the brand-name drug Toprol XL. Metoprolol also comes in an injectable form, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about injectable metoprolol, talk with your doctor.
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Forms and strengths of metoprolol
Metoprolol oral tablets come as follows:
Forms and strengths:
- immediate-release (IR) tablets that you swallow:
- 25 milligrams (mg)
- 37.5 mg
- 50 mg
- 75 mg
- 100 mg
- extended-release (ER) tablets that you swallow:
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
- 200 mg
With the IR form, metoprolol starts working soon after you swallow the tablet. With the ER form, metoprolol works over time after you swallow the tablet.
Dosage of metoprolol
This article describes the recommended dosages for metoprolol oral tablets. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you. Do not change your dosage of metoprolol oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation.
Note: If you suddenly stop taking metoprolol, you may develop severe heart problems. The drug has a warning about this risk. If you and your doctor agree that you should stop taking metoprolol, they will likely reduce your dosage over a period of time. This lowers your risk of side effects while stopping metoprolol treatment.
Usual recommended dosages of metoprolol in adults
Usually, doctors will start by prescribing a low dosage of metoprolol oral tablets. Then, they’ll adjust the dosage over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of metoprolol oral tablets that gives the desired outcome.
Dosages of metoprolol tartrate
Metoprolol tartrate oral tablets are the immediate-release (IR) form of the drug. Below you’ll find the dosages for the conditions it’s prescribed to treat.
Dosage for hypertension
The usual dosages of metoprolol IR tablets for hypertension (high blood pressure) are described below.
- Starting dosage: 100 milligrams (mg) taken as one dose per day or divided into two 50-mg doses taken twice per day
- Maintenance dosage range: 100–450 mg taken as one dose per day or divided into two doses taken twice per day
- Maximum dosage: 450 mg per day
Dosage for chest pain
The usual dosages of metoprolol IR tablets for chest pain are described below.
- Starting dosage: 100 mg per day, divided into two doses taken twice per day
- Maintenance dosage range: 100–400 mg per day, divided into two doses taken twice per day
- Maximum dosage: 400 mg per day
Dosage for heart attack
The usual dosage of metoprolol IR tablets for heart attack will be determined by your doctor. Usually, metoprolol is first given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time) in the hospital. Then, it’s prescribed as oral tablets after you leave the hospital.
- Starting dosage: 50 mg taken every 6 hours, starting 15 minutes after the last IV infusion and continuing for 48 hours
- Maintenance dosage: 200 mg (taken as two 100-mg doses per day)
Dosages of metoprolol succinate
Metoprolol succinate oral tablets are the extended-release (ER) form of the drug. Below you’ll find the dosages for the conditions it’s prescribed to treat.
Dosage for hypertension
The usual dosages of metoprolol ER tablets for hypertension are described below.
- Starting dosage: 25–100 mg once per day
- Maintenance dosage range: 25–400 mg once per day
- Maximum dosage: 400 mg once per day
Dosage for chest pain
The usual dosages of metoprolol ER tablets for chest pain are described below.
- Starting dosage: 100 mg once per day
- Maintenance dosage range: 100–400 mg once per day
- Maximum dosage: 400 mg once per day
Dosage for heart failure
The usual dosages of metoprolol ER tablets for heart failure are described below.
- Starting dosage: 12.5–25 mg once per day
- Maintenance dosage range: 12.5–200 mg once per day
- Maximum dosage: 200 mg once per day
Dosages of metoprolol in children
Metoprolol ER tablets are approved to treat high blood pressure in children ages 6 years and older. (Metoprolol IR tablets are not approved for use in children.)
The usual dosages of metoprolol ER tablets are described below. The dosages are based on your child’s body weight in kilograms (kg) and are written as mg per kg (mg/kg). For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
- Starting dosage: 1 mg/kg once per day, with a maximum of 50 mg per day
- Maintenance dosage range: 1–2 mg/kg once per day, with a maximum of 200 mg per day
- Maximum dosage: 2 mg/kg once per day, with a maximum of 200 mg per day
Your child’s doctor will determine the best dosage of metoprolol ER tablets for your child.
Dosage adjustments for metoprolol
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of metoprolol oral tablets based on several factors, including:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- other medications you take
- the form of metoprolol oral tablet you take
- your body’s response to the starting dose of metoprolol oral tablets
- body weight when prescribing for children
Missed dose of metoprolol
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any missed doses of metoprolol oral tablets as soon as you realize you forgot a dose. They can recommend whether you should take the missed dose or skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of metoprolol oral tablets and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about metoprolol oral tablets and its dosage.
Do doctors prescribe metoprolol to treat anxiety? If so, what’s the metoprolol dosage for anxiety?
Metoprolol oral tablets are not approved to treat anxiety. But doctors may prescribe the drug off-label for this purpose. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
If you have questions about taking metoprolol oral tablets for anxiety, talk with your doctor.
Does metoprolol have a certain recommended dosage for older people?
No. There are no specific recommended dosages of metoprolol oral tablets for older adults (ages 65 years and older). Usually, doctors start metoprolol treatment with lower doses in older adults. Then they increase the dose to the lowest effective dose. This may help reduce the risk of side effects that an older adult may experience.
If you’re an older adult and have questions or concerns about taking metoprolol oral tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is metoprolol prescribed for tachycardia, AFib, or other arrhythmias? If it is, what is its dosage for tachycardia, AFib, or other arrhythmias?
Metoprolol oral tablets are not approved to treat heart arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) and tachycardia. But doctors often prescribe the drug off-label for these uses. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
With AFib, you have an irregular heart rhythm that can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. With tachycardia, you have a faster than usual resting heart rate. This can increase the risk of serious problems, such as heart attack and heart failure.
To find out more about taking metoprolol oral tablets for AFib or other heart arrhythmias, talk with your doctor.
Is metoprolol taken long term?
Yes, doctors usually prescribe metoprolol oral tablets as a long-term treatment.
If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
How metoprolol is taken
Metoprolol oral tablets are swallowed once or twice per day. You should try to take metoprolol tablets with a meal or immediately after eating a meal.
Your doctor may advise that you take metoprolol around the same time each day. This can help the drug work more effectively because it keeps a consistent amount of the drug in your body.
Be sure to swallow metoprolol tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. If needed, you can split the tablet in half along the score line (the line that runs across the tablet).
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. You’ll find suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations that might make taking it easier.
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For details about the cost of metoprolol treatment, you can refer to this in-depth article.
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