Metoprolol Blood Pressure Medicine

Metoprolol (
 Lopressor® and Toprol-XL®) is a prescription drug used to treat several conditions involving the heart and blood vessels, including high blood pressure. This medication comes in the form of immediate-release or extended-release tablets, and is typically taken once or twice a day.
 
As a beta blocker blood pressure medicine, metoprolol works by blocking certain receptors in the body. As a result, metoprolol decreases heart rate and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as the workload of the heart. This means that the heart requires less blood and oxygen to work properly.
 
Based on clinical studies, metoprolol has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The higher the dose of metoprolol, the greater the drop in blood pressure is expected to be. By lowering blood pressure, the medication can also decrease the risks that occur with long-term high blood pressure. Metoprolol does not, however, cure this condition.
 
(Click Metoprolol for more detailed information on this medicine. This article discusses potential side effects, general dosing guidelines, safety precautions, and more.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
Referring Pages Articles