Health Library

Metoprolol (By mouth)

Metoprolol (met-oh-PROE-lol)

Treats high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and heart failure. May lower the risk of death after a heart attack. This medicine is a beta-blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Kapspargo Sprinkle, Lopressor, Metoprolol Succinate AvPak, Toprol XL

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Capsule, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take this medicine with a meal or right after a meal. Take this medicine the same way every day, at the same time.
• Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule:
  • You may open it and sprinkle the contents over a small amount (teaspoonful) of soft food (including applesauce, pudding, or yogurt). Swallow the mixture within 60 minutes. Do not store for later use.
  • You may also use a nasogastric tube to give the medicine. Mix the contents of the opened capsule with water into a syringe. Gently shake the mixture for about 10 seconds, then flush it through the tube. Rinse the tube with water until all of the medicine is washed out.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. You may break the extended-release tablet in half, but do not chew or crush it.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how metoprolol works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Clonidine, digoxin, dipyridamole, epinephrine, guanethidine, hydralazine, hydroxychloroquine, methyldopa, prazosin, quinidine, reserpine
  • Ergot medicine
  • MAO inhibitor or medicine to treat depression (including bupropion, clomipramine, desipramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline)
  • Medicine to treat heart rhythm problems (including propafenone)
  • Medicine to treat HIV/AIDS (including ritonavir)
  • Medicine to treat infection (including terbinafine)
  • Medicine to treat mental illness (including chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, thioridazine)
  • Other blood pressure medicine (including amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil)
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, breathing problems, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor), Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, or a history of allergies. Tell your doctor if you are fasting (including surgery, not eating regularly, vomiting).
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • New or worsening heart failure while the dose is being adjusted
  • Increased risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and cover up the symptoms of low blood sugar (including fast heartbeat)
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor, or you could develop life-threatening heart problems.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine, especially before you have any type of surgery.
• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Some men who use this medicine may cause erectile dysfunction. If you have questions about this, talk to your doctor.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Shaking, trembling, sweating, hunger, confusion
• Slow, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, tiredness
• Worsening chest pain, trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Depression
• Diarrhea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024