{"id":9018,"date":"2020-02-18T09:44:18","date_gmt":"2020-02-18T14:44:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=9018"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:40:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:40:24","slug":"metoprolol-tartrate-vs-metoprolol-succinate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/metoprolol-tartrate-vs-metoprolol-succinate\/","title":{"rendered":"Metoprolol tartrate vs. succinate: Differences and similarities"},"content":{"rendered":"

People who have experienced a heart attack or live with high blood pressure may be prescribed Lopressor (<\/span>metoprolol tartrate<\/span><\/a>) or Toprol XL (<\/span>metoprolol succinate<\/span><\/a>) by their healthcare provider. Both belong to a class of drugs known as <\/span>beta blockers<\/span><\/a> and work by blocking hormones like epinephrine that activate the body\u2019s \u201cfight-or-flight\u201d response. Althoiugh they both<\/span> help reduce stress on the heart and relax blood vessels to prevent heart complications, they differ in how they\u2019re absorbed and how long they last in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between metoprolol tartrate and succinate?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The main difference between <\/span>metoprolol tartrate<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>metoprolol succinate<\/span><\/a> is in their formulations. Metoprolol tartrate is the immediate-release version of metoprolol, while metoprolol succinate is the extended-release version. This means that metoprolol succinate is released over time in the body, leading to longer-acting effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Metoprolol tartrate may need to be taken multiple times per day. Metoprolol succinate can be taken once daily since it lasts longer than the tartrate form. Metoprolol succinate can also be used in children <\/span>ages 6 years and older<\/span><\/a>, whereas metoprolol tartrate can only be used in adults.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare key differences between metoprolol tartrate and succinate<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Differences<\/strong><\/td>\nMetoprolol tartrate<\/b><\/td>\nMetoprolol succinate<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/strong><\/td>\nBeta blocker<\/span><\/td>\nBeta blocker<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/strong><\/td>\nBrand and generic version available<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic version available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the brand name?<\/strong><\/td>\nLopressor<\/span><\/td>\nToprol XL<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/strong><\/td>\nOral tablet<\/span><\/td>\nOral tablet, extended-release<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/strong><\/td>\n100 to 450 mg daily in 2 to 3 divided doses<\/span><\/p>\n

Dosage depends on the condition being treated<\/span><\/td>\n

25 to 100 mg once daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Dosage depends on the condition being treated<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/strong><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term use as directed by a physician<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term use as directed by a physician<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/strong><\/td>\nAdults<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children 6 years and older<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Conditions treated by metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate<\/span><\/h2>\n

The tartrate and succinate forms of metoprolol are FDA-approved to treat <\/span>high blood pressure (hypertension)<\/span><\/a> and chest pain (angina pectoris).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Metoprolol tartrate is also approved as treatment right after a <\/span>heart attack<\/span><\/a> (acute myocardial infarction). Taking metoprolol tartrate after a heart attack may help reduce the risk of further cardiovascular events and death, especially in those with coronary artery disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to high blood pressure and chest pain, metoprolol succinate is also approved to treat heart failure. More specifically, metoprolol succinate treats chronic heart failure that is <\/span>New York Heart Association<\/span><\/a> class II or III. Taking it daily may help reduce hospital visits and decrease the risk of death in heart failure patients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Off-label<\/span><\/a> uses for metoprolol include the treatment of abnormally fast heart rhythms (tachycardia) and thyroid storm (a dangerous condition caused by the overproduction of thyroid hormone). Metoprolol may also be used off-label to treat essential tremors and prevent migraines.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare metoprolol tartrate vs. succinate conditions treated<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nMetoprolol tartrate<\/b><\/td>\nMetoprolol succinate<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
High blood pressure<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chronic chest pain<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Acute heart attack<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Heart failure<\/strong><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tachycardia<\/strong><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Thyroid storm<\/strong><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Essential tremors<\/strong><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Migraine prevention<\/strong><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Is metoprolol tartrate or metoprolol succinate more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate are both similar in effectiveness for treating high blood pressure and chronic chest pain. However, the preferred option will depend on the condition being treated. For acute heart attacks, metoprolol tartrate is the preferred option. For chronic heart failure, metoprolol succinate is the approved option.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a large international study known as the <\/span>MERIT-HF trial<\/span><\/a>, researchers found that metoprolol succinate greatly improved survival in people with heart failure. Patients taking it were less likely to be hospitalized for worsening symptoms than those taking a placebo. Another study <\/span>compared several beta blockers<\/span><\/a> and found that metoprolol succinate was more effective than metoprolol tartrate for chronic heart failure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because metoprolol tartrate is taken multiple times throughout the day, drug levels in the body may not be as consistent. This could result in more side effects than those with the extended-release formulation. One <\/span>analysis<\/span><\/a> found that a slow heartbeat (bradycardia) may be more likely to occur with immediate-release metoprolol tartrate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are limited studies that directly compare metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate. It\u2019s important to consult a healthcare provider for the best treatment option.<\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of metoprolol tartrate vs. succinate<\/span><\/h2>\n

Metoprolol tartrate is a generic drug that is usually covered by Medicare and other insurance plans. Without insurance, the average cash price for generic metoprolol tartrate is around $197. <\/span>SingleCare coupons for metoprolol tartrate<\/span><\/a> can be used at participating pharmacies to reduce the cost of this drug to as low as $4.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Metoprolol succinate is also a generic medication covered by most Medicare and insurance plans. Generic metoprolol succinate is more likely to be covered than brand-name Toprol XL. The average retail price for generic metoprolol succinate is around $107. A <\/span>SingleCare coupon for metoprolol succinate<\/span><\/a> could reduce that cost to around $9.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare metoprolol tartrate vs. succinate cost and coverage<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Cost and coverage factors<\/strong><\/td>\nMetoprolol tartrate<\/b><\/td>\nMetoprolol succinate<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare?<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/span><\/td>\n60, 25 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n90, 25 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/span><\/td>\n$4 at Kroger<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$9 at Kroger<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Nov. 11, 2025. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.<\/span><\/em><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n

Common side effects of metoprolol tartrate vs. metoprolol succinate<\/span><\/h2>\n

Metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate can cause similar side effects. The most common side effects of metoprolol include:<\/span><\/p>\n