Maximizing Blood Pressure Wellness: The Benefits of Metoprolol
Metoprolol tartrate brand name: Lopressor
Metoprolol succinate brand name: Toprol-XL
What is Metoprolol?
Metoprolol (pronunciation: meh-tow-pruh-laal) is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to treat chest pain caused by angina and improve recovery from a heart attack.
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker . Beta blockers are a drug class which block certain natural chemicals in the body from acting on the heart and blood vessels. This lowers the heart rate and reduces blood pressure, easing strain on the heart.
Metoprolol Succinate vs Tartrate
You may have heard this medication be referred to specifically as metoprolol succinate or metoprolol tartrate. These medications function the same and have the same effect on the body.
The only difference between the two is that metoprolol succinate (known also by the brand name Toprol-XL) is an extended-release medication. This allows patients who require several doses throughout the day to take a single dose that is gradually absorbed.
Dosage
Typically, your healthcare provider will prescribe you a starting dose of metoprolol, 100 mg per day in a single dose or divided in multiple doses. This may gradually increase depending on your responsiveness to the medication. Most likely, your dose will not exceed 450 mg per day.
Doses for children will be determined by the healthcare provider based on age and weight. The starting dose is typically less than 50 mg per day and may be adjusted later as needed.
Side Effects
Metoprolol Common Side Effects
These side effects are usually only temporary as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if any of these symptoms persist longer than a few days or bother you speak to your pharmacist or healthcare provider:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Cold hands/feet
- Nausea
- Stomach pains
Serious Side Effects
If you experience any of these symptoms, it could indicate a serious health condition. Speak to your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, and tight chest
- Shortness of breath with a cough, swollen ankles/legs, and irregular heartbeat
- Fast heartrate, high temperature, shaking, and confusion
- Yellowing of eyes or skin
- Bruising easily
Metoprolol in Pregnancy
Some studies have shown there may be some risk of taking metoprolol while pregnant. However, there is also significant risk in not managing high blood pressure. This medication is recommended only if the risks of side effects outweigh the benefits.
Speak to your healthcare provider if you are currently taking metoprolol and plan to become pregnant.
Interactions
There are several medications that can increase the risk of side effects or reduce the efficacy of metoprolol. Check with your healthcare provider if any medication you are currently taking interacts with metoprolol. Some medications may interact with this medication are:
- Other medications that treat high blood pressure
- NSAIDs
- Cough medications with xylometazoline or pseudoephedrine
- Certain medications that treat diabetes
- Certain allergy medications
- Certain asthma medications
Metoprolol With Alcohol
Alcohol can interact with metoprolol to increase drowsiness and affect reflexes and judgement. Alcohol also affects your blood pressure and heavy drinking can lead to heightened blood pressure. If you choose to drink, be sure to not exceed the daily recommended limit of 1 unit/day for women and 2 units/day for men.
Cost
The current average retail price of metoprolol is $33.54 for 1 month of 100 mg tablets.
Get Metoprolol at Marley Drug for Less
Marley Drug offers both metoprolol succinate and metoprolol tartrate for affordable prices through our Wholesale Price List. You can get your medication for as low as $5.83/month with no insurance needed. Plus enjoy free shipping on 6- and 12-month supplies.
Questions? Call us at 1 800-810-7790 and start saving time and money on your medications today.