Metoprolol Tartrate vs. Metoprolol Succinate ER: 4 Differences You Should Know About
Key takeaways:
Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) and metoprolol succinate ER (Toprol XL) are two types of metoprolol-based medications. While they’re similar, there are a few key differences to consider.
Metoprolol tartrate is short-acting and is usually taken at least twice a day. Metoprolol succinate ER (extended-release) is longer-acting and normally taken once a day.
Both medications are FDA approved for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). But they’re each approved for other indications as well.
There are ways to save on metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate ER — especially the generic versions. GoodRx can also help you access brand-name Toprol XL at an exclusive cash price as low as $39.
Access savings on related medications
Table of contents
Metoprolol is a beta blocker that comes in two forms: metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) and metoprolol succinate ER (Toprol XL). While these two medications may sound similar, there are some key differences between them.
Here are four notable differences to keep in mind when considering metoprolol tartrate versus metoprolol succinate ER.
1. Metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate ER work differently in your body
A key difference between metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate ER is how long their effects last after you take them.
Metoprolol tartrate is an immediate-release (IR) form of metoprolol. Metoprolol succinate, on the other hand, is an extended-release (ER) form of metoprolol. That’s why it’s often referred to as metoprolol succinate ER.
Metoprolol succinate ER lasts longer in your body than metoprolol tartrate, so it has some advantages when it comes to the conditions it treats and how often you need to take it, which we discuss more below.
2. Metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate ER are approved for different health conditions
Metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate ER are both FDA approved to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). But they’re each approved to treat other health conditions, too. Your prescriber may choose one form of metoprolol over the other based on what you’re taking it for.
Tips for taking metoprolol: Find out the best time to take metoprolol, along with other pharmacist-backed tips.
Metoprolol side effects: Learn about common and rare side effects that can occur when taking metoprolol and when to seek medical care.
Metoprolol interactions: Review a list of metoprolol interactions you should be aware of to help keep you safe.
Metoprolol tartrate is also approved to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Initial studies looking at the medication for this use involved IV metoprolol, which only comes as metoprolol tartrate. So metoprolol tartrate is the only form approved for this use.
Metoprolol succinate ER, on the other hand, is also approved to treat certain types of heart failure. In fact, it’s a first-choice medication for these types of hair failure, along with carvedilol (Coreg) and bisoprolol. Studies estimate that you would need to take metoprolol tartrate 4 times a day in order to have the same effect on heart failure as metoprolol succinate ER once a day. Not only is this less convenient, but it can make it harder to remember to take the medication on time. So metoprolol succinate ER is the preferred form of metoprolol for heart failure.
3. Metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate ER come in different doses and dosage forms
Metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate ER are both taken by mouth. But they come in different doses and dosage forms, and metoprolol tartrate is usually taken more than once a day.
Read more like this
Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.
Metoprolol tartrate only comes as an oral tablet. Since it’s short-acting, you’ll typically take it at least twice a day.
Metoprolol succinate ER comes as an oral tablet but it’s also available as a capsule under the brand name Kapspargo Sprinkle. You can swallow the capsule whole or open it and sprinkle the contents over soft food, such as applesauce or yogurt. (This may be a better option if you have trouble swallowing pills.) Since metoprolol succinate ER is long-acting, you only need to take the medication once a day.
In the chart below, we’ve summarized the main differences between metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate ER for easy reference.
| Metoprolol tartrate | Metoprolol succinate ER | |
|---|---|---|
| How long they last | Short-acting (Immediate-release) |
Long-acting (Extended-release) |
| Brand name(s) | Lopressor | Toprol XL, Kapspargo Sprinkle |
| How often they’re taken | Typically twice a day | Once a day |
| Dosage form(s) | Tablet | Tablet, sprinkle capsule |
| Available doses |
|
|
| FDA-approved indications |
|
|
4. Metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate ER are absorbed differently by the body
Even though they contain the same active ingredient, metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate ER aren’t interchangeable. You can’t switch from one type of metoprolol to the other without a new prescription from your healthcare team.
This is because your body absorbs the two forms of metoprolol differently. So similar daily dosages — such as metoprolol tartrate 50 mg twice a day and metoprolol succinate ER 100 mg once a day — may not have the same effects.
If you have questions about the type of metoprolol you’re taking, talk to your prescriber for guidance.
How to save on metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate ER
Metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate ER are both available as generic- and brand-name medications. GoodRx can help you find ways to save.
Generic metoprolol tartrate’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $3.60 for a 30-day supply with a free GoodRx discount. And a 30-day supply of generic metoprolol succinate ER may cost as little as $6.30 with a free GoodRx discount.
What's more, anyone with a valid prescription can use GoodRx to purchase a 30-day supply of Toprol XL at an exclusive cash price as low as $39.
The bottom line
Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) and metoprolol succinate ER (Toprol XL) are two forms of the beta blocker metoprolol. They’re both approved to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). But there are notable differences between them.
The biggest difference is how long they last in your body. Metoprolol tartrate is a short-acting form of metoprolol that’s typically taken at least twice a day. Metoprolol succinate ER (extended-release) is a long-acting form of metoprolol that’s taken just once a day. They’re also each approved for different heart-related conditions.
Metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate ER aren’t interchangeable. If you have questions about which one you’re taking or about making a switch, talk to your prescriber for guidance.
Why trust our experts?
References
Bryant Ranch Prepack. (2024). Metoprolol succinate - metoprolol succinate tablet, extended release [package insert].
Morris, J., et al. (2024). Metoprolol. StatPearls.
RemedyRepack Inc. (2024). Metoprolol tartrate - metoprolol tartrate tablet, film coated [package insert].
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. (2023). Kapspargo - metoprolol succinate capsule, extended release [package insert].
Tang, W. H. W., et al. (2003). In heart failure, all beta-blockers are not necessarily equal. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine.
