Metoprolol Tartrate vs Succinate - What's the difference between them?
Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 28, 2019.

Official Answer
by Drugs.comMetoprolol 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.
Related Medical Questions
- What is Prolomet XL 50? What is the mechanism of action and what are this medicine side effects?
- How is atenolol superior to metoprolol?
- Does Losartan block the receptor used by the Coronavirus?
- I have high blood pressure. Can I take Mucinex DM safely?
- Best time to take amlodipine besylate?
- Losartan vs Valsartan - What's the difference between them?
- Does caffeine cause high blood pressure?
- How long after taking 5 mg lisinopril will my blood pressure drop down?
- Is loss of sense of smell a symptom of COVID-19?
- Is high blood pressure considered heart disease?
- What are the side effects of beta blockers?
- Is high blood pressure a risk factor for COVID-19?
- How are hypertension, heart disease and stroke related?
- What is the strength of Qbrelis (lisinopril) oral solution?
- What is the strength of Prexxartan (valsartan) oral solution?
- What drugs are contained in Consensi?
Drug Information
Related Support Groups
- Metoprolol (148 questions, 348 members)
- Metoprolol Succinate ER (24 questions, 25 members)
- Metoprolol Tartrate (17 questions, 16 members)
- High Blood Pressure (371 questions, 1432 members)
- Heart Attack (50 questions, 176 members)
- Congestive Heart Failure (30 questions, 161 members)
- Angina (10 questions, 76 members)
- Angina Pectoris Prophylaxis (6 questions, 12 members)