{"id":54604,"date":"2022-10-18T09:30:42","date_gmt":"2022-10-18T13:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=54604"},"modified":"2026-10-02T14:33:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T18:33:05","slug":"metoprolol-food-interactions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/metoprolol-food-interactions\/","title":{"rendered":"5 foods to avoid when taking metoprolol"},"content":{"rendered":"

Metoprolol<\/a> is a medication used primarily to help manage high blood pressure. Like propranolol<\/a> and carvedilol<\/a>, it belongs to a class of medications known as beta blockers. If you are new to taking the prescription drug, you may have questions about metoprolol food interactions. For example, are there certain foods to avoid while taking metoprolol? Should you take metoprolol with or without food? Are there specific foods that are beneficial to consume while taking metoprolol?\u00a0<\/p>\n

These are all understandable questions\u2014after all, you want the medication to work effectively, and to minimize uncomfortable side effects. Let\u2019s take a look at metoprolol and food: what to eat, what to steer clear of, how to time meals around drug doses, and what the best dietary choices are for someone looking to lower their blood pressure.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>How much is metoprolol without insurance?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

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Metoprolol (brand names Lopressor<\/a>, Toprol XL<\/a>, and Kapspargo<\/a>) is a beta blocker<\/a> prescribed to help lower blood pressure, reduce chest pain, and increase your chances of survival in people with heart failure or after a heart attack. It blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors, explains Michael Goyfman, MD<\/a>, chief of cardiology and director of echocardiography at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills in New York. \u201cThis results in a slower heart rate as well as reduced contractility of the heart,\u201d he says, which decreases the heart’s oxygen demand and alleviates angina symptoms. Clinical studies<\/a> have shown that metoprolol lowers pulse and how hard your heart has to work during exercise, as well as decreases your systolic blood pressure during exercise.<\/p>\n

A normal resting pulse rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. While on metoprolol, a resting pulse may fall below 60 beats per minute<\/a>, which is a common side effect that should be monitored by your healthcare provider. Discuss all pre-existing medical conditions with your provider to ensure metoprolol is safe to take. It may be dangerous for those with heart problems, like bradycardia, heart block, or abnormal heart rhythms.<\/p>\n

Metoprolol may be taken alone or along with other blood pressure medications used to manage high blood pressure or heart failure, including calcium channel blockers like diltiazem<\/a> or verapamil<\/a>. Metoprolol comes in two forms<\/a>: metoprolol tartrate (immediate-release tablets), taken one to two times daily, and metoprolol succinate (extended-release tablets or extended-release capsules), taken once daily. The main difference is in the release mechanism, with succinate providing a longer-lasting effect. Both should be used alongside lifestyle changes for optimal blood pressure management.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Metoprolol tartrate vs. metoprolol succinate<\/b><\/a> | <\/b>Metoprolol alternatives<\/b> <\/a>| <\/b>Can you take beta blockers and exercise?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What should you eat while taking metoprolol?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

You might be wondering if it\u2019s best to take metoprolol on an empty stomach or with food. The answer is that it depends on the type of metoprolol you are taking, according to Rachel-Maria Brown Talaska, MD<\/a>, a cardiologist with NYU Langone in New York, New York.<\/p>\n

The main reason why you\u2019d take metoprolol with food is that it can boost the drug\u2019s effectiveness. \u201cFood increases the absorption of metoprolol, and serum levels may increase if taken with food,\u201d Dr. Brown Talaska says. But that is most true when you are taking short-acting metoprolol tablets. Dr. Brown Talaska highly recommends taking those with food. The prescribing information for metoprolol succinate extended-release also recommends that patients take the medication with a meal or just after a meal.\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, there are other dietary considerations to keep in mind when taking metoprolol. Remember, the drug works best when you also stick to a blood pressure-lowering diet. What might that look like? \u201cAs cardiologists, we advise a heart-healthy diet rich in whole grains, legumes\/beans, vegetables, whole fruits, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins as part of a comprehensive heart-healthy lifestyle,\u201d Dr. Brown Talaska says.<\/p>\n

Dr. Goyfman recommends the DASH diet, citing studies<\/a> that have found it to be an effective approach to lowering blood pressure. The DASH diet<\/a> (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) includes recommendations such as keeping your sodium intake to under 2,300 mg per day (the amount in one teaspoon of salt), and emphasizes fruits, veggies, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and foods low in saturated fat. Some people may be advised to eat even less sodium.<\/p>\n

5 foods to avoid with metoprolol<\/h2>\n

In general, there are no specific foods you need to avoid while on metoprolol. \u201cIn fact, food helps increase absorption of metoprolol, so it is recommended to take it with meals or immediately after a meal,\u201d says Dr. Goyfman. Additionally, drugmakers do not give any specific warnings about metoprolol interactions with food.<\/p>\n

Still, there are some foods and drinks that have the potential to negatively affect the absorption of metoprolol. Not only that, but because your goal while on metoprolol is to lower your blood pressure, it makes sense to avoid foods that can increase blood pressure. Here are some foods and drinks that are best avoided when you are taking metoprolol.<\/p>\n

1. Salty foods\u00a0<\/h3>\n

If you want to lower your blood pressure, reducing sodium is an important first step, as it will enhance the effects of any blood pressure-lowering medication you are taking. \u201cFoods that can worsen blood pressure include any foods that are high in sodium,\u201d says Dr. Goyfman. Sodium is added to almost any food you don\u2019t make yourself. Monitor your consumption of take-out food, frozen meals, canned soups, and other prepared foods. The American Heart Association<\/a> recommends keeping your daily sodium intake under 2,300 mg per day, or ideally under 1,500 mg daily, especially if you have high blood pressure.<\/p>\n

2. Processed foods<\/h3>\n

Dr. Brown Talaska recommends reducing highly processed foods when you are looking to manage blood pressure. \u201cFoods that exacerbate high blood pressure and should be avoided include processed meats, including deli and cured meats, preserved canned foods, fried foods,<\/p>\n

high-sodium snacks such as pickles, condiments, and sauces such as ketchup, soy sauce, salad dressings, and barbecue sauce, as well as table salt,\u201d she advises.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Studies have found that following a Mediterranean diet<\/a> can reduce your blood pressure as an alternative to these types of food. This means concentrating on foods like<\/a>:<\/p>\n