US Brand Name: Lopressor, Toprol XL (Metoprolol)

Pharmacologic category:

Beta-blocker. Other medications in this category include {atenolol} (Tenormin), {propranolol} (Inderal), {bisoprolol} (Zebeta), and {carvedilol} (Coreg).

Conditions treated and dosages:

{Hypertension} (high blood pressure): 25-100 mg (immediate-release) twice daily or 25-200 mg (extended-release) once daily
{Angina pectoris} (chest pain): 50-200 mg (immediate-release) twice daily or 100-400 mg (extended-release) once daily
{Heart failure}: 12.5-25 mg (immediate-release) twice daily, titrated to a maximum of 200 mg daily, or 25-200 mg (extended-release) once daily
{Myocardial infarction} (heart attack): 25-50 mg (immediate-release) twice daily, starting 15 minutes after IV metoprolol administration
{Supraventricular tachycardia} (SVT): 5 mg IV every 5 minutes (up to 3 doses) or 25-100 mg (immediate-release) twice daily
{Ventricular tachycardia}: 100-200 mg (immediate-release) twice daily
{Atrial fibrillation} (rate control): 25-100 mg (immediate-release) twice daily or 25-200 mg (extended-release) once daily
{Atrial flutter} (rate control): 25-100 mg (immediate-release) twice daily or 25-200 mg (extended-release) once daily
{Migraine prophylaxis} (prevention): 50-200 mg (immediate-release) twice daily
{Essential tremor}: 50-100 mg (immediate-release) twice daily
{Hyperthyroidism} (adjunctive therapy): 25-100 mg (immediate-release) twice daily
{Anxiety} (off-label use): 25-100 mg (immediate-release) twice daily

Dosage Forms and strengths:

Immediate-release tablet: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg Extended-release tablet (Toprol XL): 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg

Administration Instructions:

Immediate-release tablets should be taken with or immediately following a meal. Extended-release tablets should be taken with or without food, preferably in the morning. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects:

{Bradycardia} (common): Slow heart rate {Hypotension} (common): Low blood pressure {Dizziness} (common): Feeling lightheaded or unsteady {Fatigue} (common): Tiredness or lack of energy {Depression} (less common): Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness {Shortness of breath} (less common): Difficulty breathing {Erectile dysfunction} (less common): Difficulty maintaining an erection

Contraindications:< Known hypersensitivity to metoprolol or its components {Sinus bradycardia} {Heart block} greater than first degree {Cardiogenic shock} {Decompensated heart failure} Systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg

Drug-to-Drug Interactions:

{Clonidine} (Catapres): Increased risk of severe hypertension if stopped suddenly {Digoxin} (Lanoxin): Increased risk of bradycardia {Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs} (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen [Advil, Motrin], naproxen [Aleve]): Reduced antihypertensive effect of metoprolol {CYP2D6 inhibitors} (e.g., fluoxetine [Prozac], paroxetine [Paxil], bupropion [Wellbutrin]): Increased metoprolol concentrations and risk of adverse effects

Pregnancy:

Metoprolol is considered a pregnancy category C medication, which means there is limited data on its safety during pregnancy. It should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Consult a healthcare professional before using metoprolol during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding:

Metoprolol is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. The risk to the nursing infant is considered low, but the potential effects on the infant should be carefully monitored. Consult a healthcare professional before using metoprolol while breastfeeding.

Estimated price of a 30-day supply without insurance and using GoodRx coupon:

The cost of a 30-day supply of metoprolol can vary depending on the strength and dosage form. For a 30-day supply of 50 mg immediate-release tablets, the estimated cost is around $4-$9 using a {GoodRx} coupon. For a 30-day supply of 50 mg extended-release tablets (Toprol XL), the estimated cost is around $15-$30 using a {GoodRx} coupon. Prices may vary depending on the pharmacy and location.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.