Metoprolol Succinate vs Tartrate: What's the difference between them?
Metoprolol is available as two different salts: metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate.
The main difference between metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate is that metoprolol tartrate is only available as an immediate-release tablet which means it must be taken several times per day, whereas metoprolol succinate is an extended-release tablet that can be taken once a day. As a result, there are differences in the dosages and indications for both metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate and they are not considered interchangeable.
- Both metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate are used to lower blood pressure and relieve symptoms of angina in people with heart disease.
- Metoprolol tartrate may also be used to reduce the risk of death or another heart attack when given immediately following a heart attack, and to lower the risk of a heart attack in people with heart disease.
- Metoprolol succinate should not be used to prevent heart attacks.
- Extended-release metoprolol succinate may be beneficial in people with certain types of heart failure.
- An injectable form of metoprolol tartrate is available which may be given by health care providers for people with unstable angina or arrhythmia.
- Metoprolol tartrate may be used off-label for other conditions such as migraine prevention and to treat certain arrhythmias.
Both metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate are classified as "selective" beta-blockers which means they are less likely to affect breathing and insulin response than nonselective beta-blockers. Generic forms are available.
Read next
What is the best time of day to take blood pressure medication?
Research has suggested that taking your blood pressure medication at night instead of in the morning can provide better blood pressure control at night without compromising daytime blood pressure control and reduce your overall risk of dying because of cardiovascular disease by 45%. Continue reading
Does metoprolol lower resting heart rate?
Yes, metoprolol can lower resting heart rate. It is a beta-blocking medication that is used to lower blood pressure, as well as relieve chest pain from angina pectoris. It is also used for the treatment of heart failure and heart attack. Metoprolol comes in both immediate-release and long-acting formulations. Continue reading
Does metoprolol make you sleepy?
Yes, metoprolol can make you sleepy. One reason may be because beta blockers slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. Your body might adjust to the medication, but if you feel so tired that it is interfering with your daily activities you should let your healthcare provider know. Continue reading
See also:
Aimovig
Learn about Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be ...
Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is used to treat acute migraines and prevent episodic migraines, by ...
Botox
Botox is used for cosmetic purposes and to treat overactive bladder symptoms, urinary incontinence ...
Depakote
Depakote is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Learn about side effects ...
Topamax
Topamax (topiramate) is used to prevent seizures in adults and children and to prevent migraine ...
Emgality
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a CGRP antagonist for the preventive treatment of migraine and for ...
Timolol
Timolol is used for angina, heart attack, high blood pressure, migraine, migraine prevention
Valproic acid
Valproic acid is used for bipolar disorder, cluster-tic syndrome, epilepsy, headache ...
Divalproex sodium
Divalproex sodium is used for bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, cyclothymic ...
Topiramate
Learn about topiramate, an anticonvulsant used for seizures, migraine prevention, and weight loss ...
Related medical questions
- Does metoprolol cause hair loss?
- How long does Metoprolol stay in your system after you stop taking it?
- How long does it take for metoprolol to work?
- Which is safer: metoprolol succinate or tartrate?
- Is Metoprolol a blood thinner?
- What is Prolomet XL 50? What is the mechanism of action and what are this medicine side effects?
- How is atenolol superior to metoprolol?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Metoprolol (200 questions, 410 members)
- Metoprolol Succinate ER (35 questions, 35 members)
- Metoprolol Tartrate (21 questions, 21 members)
- High Blood Pressure (497 questions, 1,628 members)
- Angina (22 questions, 80 members)
- Heart Attack (78 questions, 191 members)
- Congestive Heart Failure (55 questions, 179 members)
- Angina Pectoris Prophylaxis (7 questions, 12 members)