Metoprolol Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is part of a group of medications called beta blockers. It’s an oral tablet that’s FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). It’s also used after a heart attack to lower the risk of death.

Taking metoprolol correctly is critical to getting the most out of this medication. The recommendations given in this guide are from the manufacturer of metoprolol. But you should always take the dose recommended by your healthcare provider.

What’s the typical metoprolol dosage for adults?

The metoprolol dosage for adults varies depending on why you’re taking it. But in general, metoprolol should be taken with a full glass of water. It should be taken at the same time each day and with a meal (or right after a meal).

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High blood pressure

For high blood pressure, the typical metoprolol dosage is between 100 mg to 450 mg total per day. Doses may be taken once or twice a day. Your healthcare provider will usually have you start at 100 mg and raise the dose weekly as needed.

Lower doses, like 100 mg, may not last all day if given as one dose. So, lower doses especially may need to be taken twice a day.

Though beta-blockers aren’t usually first-choice medications for high blood pressure, they’re used in certain situations. This includes people with high blood pressure who’ve recently had a heart attack or heart failure.

For high blood pressure, metoprolol is typically combined with another blood pressure lowering medication such as a diuretic.

Chronic chest pain

The typical starting dose for chronic chest pain is 50 mg twice daily. Your healthcare provider may suggest for you to raise your weekly dosage depending on how you respond. The maximum dose is usually 400 mg per day.

Heart attacks

Intravenous (IV) metoprolol may be given to someone that arrives in the hospital and is suspected of having a heart attack.

After this first IV treatment, oral metoprolol tablets are usually continued in the hospital and at home. This combination of IV and oral metoprolol is known to prevent a future heart attack, cardiac arrest, and death.

After the first IV dose of metoprolol, you may go home with an oral dose of 100 mg twice daily. But how long you’ll take metoprolol after a heart attack depends on a few factors. Talk to your healthcare provider about how long you’ll need metoprolol.

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

If you have existing liver problems, your healthcare provider may start metoprolol at a lower dose than usual. This is because metoprolol is broken down by your liver.

If your liver isn’t working as well as it could, it can build up in the body and cause side effects. So, starting at a lower dose can help prevent this.

Make sure to discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before starting metoprolol. This includes any medical conditions you have and all the medications you take.

If you take certain medications or substances that interact with metoprolol, you may need a lower metoprolol dosage.

What happens if you miss a dose of metoprolol?

If you miss a dose of metoprolol, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, just take the next scheduled dose. Don’t double up on doses at any point. Taking two doses at once can raise your risk of side effects like a slow heart rate, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

If you feel that metoprolol isn’t working for you or it’s causing side effects, talk to your healthcare provider.

But, you shouldn’t stop metoprolol suddenly. It’s often necessary to lower the dose gradually before stopping it.

What should you do if you take too much metoprolol?

Taking too much metoprolol can raise your risk of side effects. This includes a dangerously slow heart rate and extremely low blood pressure. It can even lead to your heart not working. Low blood sugar can also be a sign of too much metoprolol.

If you or someone you know has taken too much metoprolol, get urgent medical help or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

How to save on metoprolol

Metoprolol is available as both a brand-name and lower-cost generic medication. GoodRx can help you save over 30% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic metoprolol tablets at certain pharmacies are as low as $5.96 with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP

Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP, has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist, professor, and researcher. She was a full-time clinical professor in the pharmacy practice department at D’Youville School of Pharmacy before subsequently joining the faculty of the pharmacy practice department at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Edited by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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