What is Metoprolol Tartrate? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Metoprolol Tartrate

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find the most effective dose.

• Take this medicine with a meal or right after a meal. 

• Always take it at the same time of day in the same way (either with a meal or on an empty stomach). 

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet.

• The tablet is scored to allow it to be divided into two doses. If the doctor asks you to take half a tablet, have a healthcare professional, such as a pharmacist, demonstrate how to do this.

• Store metoprolol tartrate tablets at room temperature in a closed, light-resistant container. Keep the tablets protected from moisture.

What to do if you miss a dose of Metoprolol Tartrate

• If a dose is missed, skip it. 

• Take the next dose as scheduled. 

• Do not take extra tablets to make up for a missed dose.

Metoprolol Tartrate contraindications - Who shouldn't take Metoprolol Tartrate?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Healthcare providers never give metoprolol to anyone who has had an allergic reaction to metoprolol or has any of the following cardiovascular conditions:

  • Severely slow heart rate

  • Extremely low blood pressure

  • Heart block

  • Sick sinus syndrome (without a permanent pacemaker)

  • Sudden worsening of heart failure

• Healthcare providers never use metoprolol tartrate when the heart is no longer functioning well enough to maintain life (cardiogenic shock).

Metoprolol Tartrate warnings

• Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before major surgery or certain medical tests.

• The prescriber will need regular office visits and lab tests to monitor the effects of this medicine and make dose adjustments. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Tell your doctor if you have:

  • Heart failure

  • Heart rhythm abnormalities

  • Slow heart rate

  • Circulation problems in the hands, arms, legs, or feet

  • Lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Diabetes

  • Thyroid disorders

  • Adrenal gland cancer 

• This medicine may worsen the symptoms of heart failure or lower blood pressure too much, especially when metoprolol is first started.

• Metoprolol can make it hard to spot low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) because it corrects many of the symptoms of low blood sugar.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Do not stop using metoprolol suddenly. Talk to the prescriber first. The dose may need to be gradually reduced to prevent serious problems like chest pain or heart attack.

Metoprolol Tartrate interactions & what to avoid when taking Metoprolol Tartrate

• To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use, particularly:

  • Heart rhythm medications, including digoxin, quinidine, and propafenone

  • Calcium channel blockers

  • Migraine treatments called ergots

  • HIV/AIDS drugs

  • Drugs that treat depression, psychosis, anxiety, or similar other mental health issues

  • MAO inhibitors (MAOIs)

  • The blood pressure drugs clonidine or reserpine

  • The blood thinner dipyridamole

• Do not drink alcohol while being treated with metoprolol.

• Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

Find more detailed information about metoprolol interactions to avoid here.