Metoprolol: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It
Metoprolol is a beta blocker, a type of medicine that slows the heart and lowers blood pressure. It is used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain from angina, heart failure, and certain abnormal heart rhythms.
Take metoprolol exactly as prescribed, and do not stop it suddenly without medical advice because abruptly stopping can worsen heart problems. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects, interactions, or any changes to your treatment.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C07AB02
- Generic
- Metoprolol
- Class
- beta-blocker
- Brands
- Lopressor, Toprol-XL
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 3
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 12
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- blood-pressure, heart-rate
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
continue only if needed for maternal indication
fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid near delivery
discontinue 24-48 hours before delivery if possible
fetal heart rate monitoring, assess for neonatal bradycardia
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
monitor infant for signs of beta-blockade including bradycardia and hypotension
observe infant for lethargy, poor feeding, bradycardia
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at lowest dose, titrate slowly
initiate at 25mg once daily, monitor for bradycardia and hypotension
regular blood pressure and heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
limited safety and efficacy data; use only if specifically prescribed by pediatric cardiologist
blood pressure and heart rate monitoring
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 50%
monitor renal function, adjust dose based on clinical response
regular renal function monitoring, watch for accumulation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose by 50%
use with caution, metoprolol is metabolized in liver
monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval for metoprolol tartrate
Drug class
ATC code C07AB02 - Beta blocking agents, selective
Primary indications
FDA-approved therapeutic indications
Available formulations
Metoprolol tartrate (immediate) and metoprolol succinate (extended-release)
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy