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Metoprolol
Metoprolol is licensed for the treatment of high blood pressure, angina symptoms, and congestive heart failure. The medicine, which is a type of beta blocker, is available in two different forms: immediate-release and extended-release. Administering the immediate-release version following a heart attack can also help improve survival. Potential side effects of the drug include slow heart rate, dizziness, and tiredness.
Metoprolol is a prescription medicine licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called beta blockers. Metoprolol is sold under the brand names Lopressor® and Toprol-XL®. Both versions are also available in generic form. Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate) is the immediate-release form of the drug, while Toprol-XL (metoprolol succinate) is the extended-release form.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with metoprolol. However, not everyone who takes it will experience problems. Most people have no problems with the drug. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
- Slow heart rate
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Itching or unexplained rash
- Depression (see Metoprolol and Depression)
- Shortness of breath.
(Click Metoprolol Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
- Metoprolol and Weight Gain
- Metoprolol Sexual Side Effects
- Metoprolol and Dry Eyes
- Metoprolol and Hair Loss
- Metoprolol and Low Blood Sugar.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD