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What Is Metoprolol?

Metoprolol is a prescription beta-adrenergic blocker used to treat selected cardiovascular conditions. This page focuses on immediate-release metoprolol tartrate tablets, which are indicated for hypertension, angina pectoris, and reduction of cardiovascular mortality following acute myocardial infarction in hemodynamically stable adults. Current tablets include 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg strengths.

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What Is Metoprolol?

Metoprolol is a prescription beta-adrenergic blocker used to treat selected cardiovascular conditions. This page focuses on immediate-release metoprolol tartrate tablets, which are indicated for hypertension, angina pectoris, and reduction of cardiovascular mortality following acute myocardial infarction in hemodynamically stable adults. Current tablets include 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg strengths.

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How Does Metoprolol Work?

Metoprolol preferentially blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This reduces heart rate, cardiac contractility, and the effects of sympathetic nervous system stimulation. Its actions lower blood pressure and decrease the heart's oxygen requirements. Beta-1 selectivity decreases at higher concentrations.

Who Is Treated With Metoprolol Tartrate?

Metoprolol tartrate tablets are used in adults with hypertension or chronic angina and in hemodynamically stable patients following acute myocardial infarction. Severe bradycardia, certain heart conduction disorders, cardiogenic shock, and decompensated heart failure are contraindications. Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established for this formulation.

How Is Metoprolol Tartrate Dosed?

Adult hypertension treatment usually starts at 100 mg daily in one or divided doses, with an effective range of 100 mg to 450 mg daily. Angina treatment starts at 100 mg daily in two divided doses. After an acute myocardial infarction, patients who tolerate intravenous metoprolol commonly receive 50 mg orally every six hours for 48 hours, followed by maintenance dosing of 100 mg twice daily. Tablets are taken with or immediately after meals.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Metoprolol?

Abrupt withdrawal can worsen angina and increase the risk of myocardial infarction. Other serious concerns include slow heart rate, heart block, low blood pressure, worsening heart failure, bronchospasm, and masking of warning signs of low blood glucose. Certain medicines that slow heart rate can increase these risks. Long-term treatment is gradually reduced over one to two weeks when discontinuation is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metoprolol

What conditions does metoprolol tartrate treat?

It treats hypertension and angina and reduces cardiovascular mortality in selected patients after an acute myocardial infarction.

What is the usual adult starting dose for hypertension?

The recommended starting dose is 100 mg daily in one or divided doses.

Is metoprolol tartrate the same as metoprolol succinate?

No. Metoprolol tartrate is an immediate-release formulation, while metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets have different dosing instructions and an additional labeled heart failure indication.

Can metoprolol be stopped suddenly?

No. Abrupt discontinuation can worsen myocardial ischemia, so long-term treatment is generally tapered over one to two weeks.

References

DailyMed - METOPROLOL TARTRATE tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=522c3807-855e-20a3-e063-6394a90abeb7. Date Accessed October 14, 2026.

Metoprolol. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547984/. Date Accessed October 14, 2026.

Metoprolol. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682864.html. Date Accessed October 14, 2026.

Metoprolol. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Metoprolol. Date Accessed October 14, 2026.

Metoprolol. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532923/. Date Accessed October 14, 2026.