Metoprolol

Introduction

Medically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA
Written by Helen Marshall, BPharm, MRPharmS
Updated on September 26, 2023

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved metoprolol for:

• high blood pressure
• angina (chest pain caused by poor blood flow to your heart)
• heart failure
• heart attack

These approved uses differ based on the form of metoprolol your doctor prescribes.

This article describes metoprolol’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of metoprolol.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of metoprolol. To find out more about metoprolol extended-release oral tablets, see this article.

Side effects of metoprolol

Metoprolol may cause mild or serious side effects (also known as adverse effects). More common mild side effects of metoprolol and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about metoprolol’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for metoprolol.

* To view metoprolol’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of metoprolol are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of metoprolol you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about metoprolol’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for metoprolol.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Mild side effects of metoprolol oral tablets and extended-release (ER)† oral tablets include:

• tiredness
• dizziness
• slowed heart rate
• diarrhea
• mild allergic reaction‡

* To view metoprolol’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† ER oral tablets release the medication into your body slowly over time, instead of all at once.
‡ For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for metoprolol” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of metoprolol are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of metoprolol you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about metoprolol’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for metoprolol.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, metoprolol’s serious side effects include:

• depression
• very slow heart rate
• severe heart problems such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or heart attack if you suddenly stop treatment
• severe allergic reaction†

* To view metoprolol’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for metoprolol” section below.

Common questions about metoprolol

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about metoprolol.

How does metoprolol compare with similar drugs, such as bisoprolol or atenolol?

Metoprolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Other drugs in this group include bisoprolol, atenolol (Tenormin), propranolol (Inderal LA, InnoPran XL), and carvedilol (Coreg). These drugs all work in the same way to lower your blood pressure and slow down your heart rate. They have some similarities and some differences.

For example, all these drugs are used to treat high blood pressure. Some are also used for angina (chest pain), heart failure, or heart attack. Metoprolol is the only one prescribed for all these uses. Propranolol also has some extra uses.

Beta-blockers may differ in the dose used, how often they’re taken, and their possible side effects. To learn more about how metoprolol compares with other beta-blockers, talk with your doctor. They can recommend the most suitable drug for you.

Can metoprolol be used for anxiety or as a blood thinner?

It’s possible to take metoprolol for anxiety. But it cannot be taken as a blood thinner.

Metoprolol may sometimes be prescribed to treat anxiety, but this is an off-label use of the drug. With off-label use, a drug is prescribed for a use that’s not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Metoprolol can help relieve certain symptoms of anxiety, such as palpitations (a feeling of skipped or extra heartbeats), fast heart rate, and trembling. To learn more about this off-label use of metoprolol, talk with your doctor.

Metoprolol cannot be used as a blood thinner. Blood thinners are medications prescribed to treat and prevent blood clots. Metoprolol is a type of drug called a beta-blocker. It doesn’t have a blood thinning effect. For more information about blood thinners, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is metoprolol safe for older adults?

Yes, metoprolol is usually safe for older adults. However, some adults ages 65 years and older may be more sensitive to certain metoprolol side effects, such as dizziness. Older adults are also more likely to have other conditions or be taking other medications that could increase the risk of metoprolol side effects.

To help avoid side effects, doctors may prescribe a lower dosage of metoprolol than usual for certain older adults.

Does metoprolol come as a brand-name drug?

Yes, in fact, there are different brand-name versions available. The brand-name version of metoprolol oral tablet is called Lopressor. The brand-name version of metoprolol extended-release (ER)* oral tablet is called Toprol XL.

Another brand-name form of metoprolol is called Kapspargo Sprinkle, which comes as an ER capsule. It’s not available in a generic version.

If you’re interested in taking a brand-name form of metoprolol, talk with your doctor.

* ER oral tablets release the medication into your body slowly over time, instead of all at once.

What is metoprolol’s half-life? How does the drug work?

Metoprolol has a half-life of about 3–7 hours. This is the time it takes for half of a dose of the drug to be cleared from your body.

Metoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), heart failure, and heart attack. It works by blocking the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline) from acting on your heart and blood vessels. This slows down your heart rate and widens your blood vessels. These actions lower your blood pressure, which makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

Metoprolol starts working about 20 minutes after receiving an injection of the drug or about 1 hour after taking a dose by mouth.

To learn more about metoprolol’s half-life and how the drug works, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Can metoprolol cause weight gain?

Though rare, weight gain has been reported in people taking metoprolol. However, it’s unknown whether metoprolol caused this weight gain or whether it was due to other factors.

Note that metoprolol can sometimes cause worsening heart failure. Sudden weight gain is a possible symptom of this side effect.

If you experience weight gain while taking metoprolol, talk with your doctor. They can determine the possible cause of weight gain.

Dosage of metoprolol

The dosage of metoprolol your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should take or receive.

Taking and receiving metoprolol

Metoprolol oral tablets and extended-release (ER)* oral tablets are taken by mouth, with or without food.

Metoprolol liquid solution for injection is given by a healthcare professional as an injection into a vein.

Your doctor will talk with you about how to take metoprolol. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.

If you’re prescribed metoprolol injection, your doctor will explain how metoprolol will be given to you and where you’ll receive it. They’ll also tell you how much you’ll receive and how often.

* ER oral tablets release the medication into your body slowly over time, instead of all at once.

Overdose of metoprolol

You should not take more metoprolol than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much metoprolol, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Uses of metoprolol

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as metoprolol for certain conditions. Approved uses for metoprolol are described below. These uses differ based on the form of metoprolol prescribed.

Use for certain cardiovascular conditions

Metoprolol is prescribed for the following cardiovascular conditions. (These are conditions related to the heart and blood vessels.)

• High blood pressure. Although high blood pressure often doesn’t cause symptoms, it increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Angina. With angina, you have attacks of chest pain that occur when your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen. This condition usually results from narrowing or hardening of the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle.
• Heart failure. If you have heart failure, your heart becomes weak or stiff and can’t pump blood around your body effectively. This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, low energy, and swollen legs, ankles, or feet.
• Heart attack. With a heart attack, the blood supply to your heart becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot. This makes it hard for your heart to pump blood around your body. It can damage the heart muscle and even be fatal.

Doctors may prescribe metoprolol oral tablets to treat all of these conditions in adults except for heart failure.

Metoprolol extended-release (ER)* oral tablets may be prescribed to treat high blood pressure, angina, and heart failure in adults. Children ages 6 and over may also take ER oral tablets to treat high blood pressure.

Doctors may prescribe metoprolol liquid solution for injection to treat a heart attack in adults.

Depending on the condition, metoprolol may be prescribed as a long-term treatment.

* ER oral tablets release the medication into your body slowly over time, instead of all at once.

Interactions and warnings for metoprolol

Below, you’ll find information about metoprolol’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of metoprolol

For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take metoprolol, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription medications
• over-the-counter medications
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for metoprolol” section below.

Warnings for metoprolol

Some people should not take metoprolol, and others should use it cautiously.

Metoprolol could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether metoprolol is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of metoprolol you take.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for metoprolol, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Metoprolol can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to metoprolol or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe metoprolol. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to metoprolol, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and metoprolol

Information about metoprolol and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Metoprolol and pregnancy

There may be risks to taking metoprolol during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having untreated heart conditions or high blood pressure while pregnant. (Keep in mind that metoprolol is used for treating high blood pressure and certain heart conditions.)

If you are pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about treatment options for your high blood pressure or heart condition during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether you should take metoprolol during pregnancy.

Metoprolol and breastfeeding

In general, metoprolol is considered safe to take while breastfeeding. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.

Metoprolol coupon

You may be able to save money on your prescription for metoprolol by using our Optum Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for metoprolol, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes metoprolol’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about metoprolol or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Can metoprolol cause migraine episodes?
• Does metoprolol cause long-term side effects?
• Is there anything I should avoid while taking metoprolol?
• What form and dose of metoprolol will I need?

Article resources

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Metoprolol tartrate injection, for intravenous use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/f3817543-544a-4afa-ac7c-c1b48c1307c2/spl-doc
• Metoprolol succinate — metoprolol succinate tablet, extended release. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/d66c1b47-e67f-4b5c-9290-f90bbb378971/spl-doc
• Metoprolol tartrate — metoprolol tartrate tablet, film coated. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/0a3ccfd4-8b65-4c7e-b0ba-27ff40d5b5e8/spl-doc

Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.