Generic Metoprolol: An Overview
Metoprolol is part of a class of medicines called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta blockers for short. The drug helps to block a specific type of beta receptor called beta-1 receptors. By blocking beta-1 receptors, metoprolol causes the reverse effect of stress hormones, such as adrenaline (epinephrine). It decreases heart rate and both
systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as the workload of the heart, meaning that the heart requires less blood and oxygen to work properly.
Metoprolol is sold under the brand names
Lopressor® (immediate-release) and
Toprol-XL® (extended-release). Lopressor was originally developed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, and
Toprol-XL was developed by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. They have both since come off patent, making them available as a generic.
Generic Metoprolol: Strengths
The immediate-release version of metoprolol is sold under the name
Metoprolol Tartrate tablets and is available in several strengths, including:
- Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg tablets
- Metoprolol Tartrate 100 mg tablets.
The extended-release form of metoprolol is sold under the name
Metoprolol Succinate tablets and is currently available in one strength -- Metoprolol Succinate 25 mg tablets. It is thought that within one year, other strengths of metoprolol succinate will also become available in generic form.