Has a doctor prescribed Metoprolol Tartrate to you or a loved one? Are you wondering what exactly this medication is, how it works, and if there are any side effects? All of these questions and more will be answered in this quick and simple profile.
What is Metoprolol Tartrate?
Metoprolol Tartrate is a commonly prescribed medication. It is in a class of medicines known as beta-blockers and is commonly used for heart conditions. These conditions may include chest pain, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and heart failure amongst others. Some people use beta-blockers such as Metoprolol Tartrate for migraine headaches.
How is it taken?
Metoprolol Tartrate is taken by mouth. It is typically taken with a meal and can be taken once or twice a day – and in some cases, even more often. The number of tablets and the dose prescribed will be determined by the condition being treated.
How does it work?
Put simply, it helps block the effects of hormones (such as epinephrine) on the receptors in the body (such as the heart tissue). These receptors are also present in other structures – for example, the vascular system and the lungs. By acting on these receptors, the medication can decrease the heart rate and the force at which the heart pumps and potentially decrease the stress on it.
When we look at Metoprolol Tartrate and its use in heart failure over the long term, it is protective and can restore or improve cardiac function in some patients over time by preventing hormones from working on the heart and worsening the modeling of the heart. By acting on these receptors, those with fast heart rates may utilize the medication to decrease their heart rate.
It’s also useful for patients who have chest pain due to heart artery blockages, a condition also known as angina. Angina is usually the result of blood not being able to get to the muscular portion of the heart. Metoprolol Succinate may be able to decrease the force of contraction of the heart muscle, therefore decreasing the amount of work it does and its oxygen demand, which can ultimately decrease chest pain. For this reason, Metoprolol Tartrate is a well-recognized treatment for chest pain from heart artery blockages.
What’s the difference between Metoprolol Tartrate and Metoprolol Succinate?
Metoprolol Tartrate is an immediate-release medication. This means its effect is immediate but does not last as long. For this reason, it may need to be taken several times per day. Metoprolol Succinate is a long-acting tablet, which means it usually only needs to be taken once a day or sometimes twice a day.
What doses are available?
Metoprolol Tartrate is available as both a generic and a brand name medication. The brand name is Lopressor. It can come as an immediate-release tablet or an immediately acting injectable solution. The tablets come in doses such as 25 milligrams, 37.5 milligrams, 50 milligrams, 75 milligrams, and 100 milligrams. Patients should store the tablets at room temperature.
What are some considerations a doctor takes before prescribing Metoprolol Tartrate?
People with a known history of slow heart rate may need to be cautious when taking this medication. Those with breathing problems such as asthma or other chronic breathing conditions should discuss this with their doctor. Some patients with mental health conditions such as depression may need to be careful that this does not worsen the situation. There is also a chance that those with poor circulation may have worsening of this. Of course, as with any medications, there are considerations to take for those considering pregnancy. Consideration of interactions with other medications being taken is also important, as with any medication.
What are some side effects?
Metoprolol Tartrate will likely cause a lowering of the heart rate. In some people, this can be too low, resulting in a condition known as bradycardia. Some experience fatigue as a side effect of taking beta-blockers. Some people may have dizziness or tiredness and occasionally gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. Others may experience sexual dysfunction. When a doctor prescribes this medication, they will consider the risks and benefits. They usually will determine that the benefits outweigh any risks, but it is still very important to report any side effects to the prescribing doctor. As with any medication, very rarely there may be allergies. If these are felt to be life-threatening, the patient must seek immediate emergency care.
If you have any more questions concerning Metoprolol Tartrate, please leave them in the comments. You may be also interested in Can Medicines Help My Mitral Valve?
Can you take any caffeine while taking this med if the reason you’re taking is a high heart rate?
I have been on Metoprotol tartrate for 20 years and have never liked being on and I want to go off I am 76 . I have about a dozen. Side affects breathless sleep problems anxietydry mouth drippy nose dreams anxious etc.slow heRt rate in 50’s and 60’s
I am taking metroprolol tartrate for a fib. I am on 25mgs bid. I take the doses 12 hours apart but find that blood pressure is elevated by the time I take the second dose. Should I take the second dose closer to first?
In general metoprolol isn’t an effective BP medicine. If effective for you, your prescribing physician may consider long acting formulations.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
I take Isosorb mono ER once daily and Metoprolol twice daily I notice that when i fly for on trips I experience sweats and chest discomfort at the airplanes flying altitude.
Can your Doctor write order for Metoprolol tartrate 25 mg one to two tabs as needed ?
I take 12.5mg lopressor twice a day. Once at breakfast and once right before bed but most of the time at night my heart rate is in the low to mid 50’s. Is it ok to skip night time dose?
It depends why you take it. You may want to switch to a long acting dose.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
Cardiologist started me on 25MG to reduce PR. Was in 105, 120s. Didn’t work. Moved to 50MG twice a day, nothing. Moved to 100MG, now PR is down to 41, 42. Dropped to 50MG last night and this am, still low 40s. {I’m 84 years old). Dr say keep taking 50MG.
I am an active 80 year old who downhill skis (moguls), plays pickleball, kayaks, and bowls.
My resting heart rate is 54-55 which is the same as it was when I did marathons. My blood pressure averages about 116/68 and I have recently gotten permission to stop taking statins.
My question is, is it safe for me to stop taking metoprolol succinate 25mg per day?
What was the reason you were put on this medication in the first place. If there’s not a good indication and your heart rate is already low maybe the person that prescribed it can stop this after discussing with you but of course one would need to understand the reason this was started in the first place.
You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
Put me on 25 metropol.