Metoprolol Oral

A healthcare provider may prescribe metoprolol (

Lopressor^® and Toprol-XL^®) to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. This medication has been licensed to treat a number of conditions, including high blood pressure, angina, and congestive heart failure. The medication has also been shown to help improve survival rates following a heart attack.

This drug is an oral medication (taken by mouth) and is part of a group of medications called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta blockers for short. By blocking these specific receptors in the body, the medication 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.

The drug comes in tablet form, and is typically taken once or twice a day. Oral metoprolol tablets come in immediate-release or extended-release tablets and are available in several strengths.

(Click Metoprolol for more information on how metoprolol can help treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. This article also discusses general dosing guidelines, safety precautions, and tips on effectively using this medication.)