What Is Metoprolol?

Generic Name: Lopressor, Toprol XL, Metoprolol Succinate ER, Metorpolol Tartrate
Brand Name: Metoprolol

Some information about metoprolol and its uses may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice.

About metoprolol:

Metoprolol is a medication that belongs to the group of beta blockers. It is mainly used to treat some of the cardiovascular system diseases, like hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, angina (pain chest) tachycardia, heart failure and sometimes migraine.
Beta blockers are a class of drugs that block the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding to receptors.
When the neurotransmitters are blocked (adrenaline), the heart relaxes and beats more slowly, thus the amount of blood pumped in the vessels will be reduced. This mode of action decreases also the blood pressure.
The active substance metoprolol is formulated as metoprolol succinate (extended release formulation) or metoprolol tartrate (immediate release formulation). 100 mg of metoprolol tartrate is equal to 95 metoprolol succinate.
Metoprolol may be used in combination or not with other medications. Extended realease formulation of metoprolol is combined with other drugs to treat heart failure and high blood pressure.
It is important to emphasize that metoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. This medication is effective 2 – 3 weeks after regular administration. Don’t stop taking it even if you feel well.
Except the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, metoprolol is used sometimes to prevent migraine headaches, or to treat the side effects of mental illness medications (like irregular heartbeat or movement disorders).