Metoprolol tartrat

Metoprolol is a selective beta-1 blocker used for hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, and migraine prophylaxis. The tartrate salt requires two to three daily doses due to its shorter half-life, while the succinate (extended-release) form allows once-daily dosing. Metoprolol reduces heart rate, cardiac output, and myocardial oxygen demand, making it effective for both cardiovascular and migraine indications.

How to Take Metoprolol

Take metoprolol with or immediately after food, as this improves absorption. The tartrate form is usually taken two to three times daily at regular intervals; do not take all doses at once. Take at consistent times each day to maintain stable blood levels.

Do not stop metoprolol suddenly, especially if you have coronary artery disease. Abrupt discontinuation can trigger a rebound increase in heart rate and blood pressure, and may precipitate a heart attack in susceptible people. If treatment needs to be stopped, the dose should be tapered gradually over one to two weeks under medical supervision.

Hypertension: 100 to 200 mg daily in 1 to 2 divided doses. Angina: 50 to 100 mg two to three times daily. Migraine prophylaxis: 100 to 200 mg daily in divided doses.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Fatigue and tiredness
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Cold hands and feet
• Dizziness
• Stomach discomfort or diarrhoea
• Sleep disturbances or vivid dreams

Most side effects are mild. Metoprolol can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar (particularly a fast heartbeat) in people with diabetes, so blood glucose monitoring is especially important. Tell your doctor if you feel excessively tired, notice a very slow pulse, or become increasingly breathless.

Do not stop abruptly; taper over one to two weeks. May mask hypoglycaemia symptoms in diabetics. Use with caution in asthma (though more beta-1 selective than propranolol, bronchospasm can still occur).

Contraindicated in severe bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, second or third-degree heart block, uncontrolled heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and severe peripheral arterial disease.