Metoprolol
Other
In plain English
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. It treats high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), fast/irregular heart rhythms, and — in the extended-release succinate form — heart failure, and it's used after heart attacks. It should not be stopped suddenly. People with asthma, very slow heart rates, or certain heart-block conditions need caution.
The science
Metoprolol is a cardioselective (beta-1) adrenergic antagonist that reduces heart rate, contractility, and blood pressure by blunting catecholamine effects on the heart; metoprolol succinate has a proven mortality benefit in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. It is metabolized by CYP2D6, whose polymorphisms affect blood levels.
References
- Morris J & Dunham A, Metoprolol, StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) 2023
- Farzam K & Jan A, Selective Beta-1 Blockers, StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) 2023
This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed 503(A) pharmacy and are not
FDA-approved products. All treatment decisions are made by a licensed provider
after reviewing your medical history.