8 Metoprolol Side Effects To Know About
Read on to learn about the side effects of metoprolol, including common, severe, and long-term side effects, and how to manage them.
metoprolol tartrate
Used for Angina, Heart Attack, Hypertension
Used for Angina, Heart Attack, Hypertension
Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is a beta blocker used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure in adults. It can also lower the risk of death after a heart attack. You take it by mouth, typically once or twice a day, but your dose depends on your condition. Side effects include dizziness, shortness of breath, and it can make you tired.
What is Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)?
What is Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) used for?
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain (angina)
- Lower risk of death after a heart attack
How Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) works
Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is a selective beta blocker. It works by slowing your heart rate so your heart doesn’t have to work as hard. This lowers your blood pressure and helps your heart use less oxygen, which can prevent chest pain and improve recovery after a heart attack.
When does Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Lopressor |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Beta blocker |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) essentials
Side effects of Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Tiredness (10%)
- Dizziness (10%)
- Diarrhea (5%)
- Rash (5%)
- Depression (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Shortness of breath
- Cold hands and feet
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Passing gas
Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Heart failure: fast weight gain, swelling in the legs/ankles/feet, feeling very tired, chest pain, trouble breathing
- Bronchospasm: tightness in the chest, trouble catching your breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, dizziness, extreme tiredness
- Severe allergic reactions: trouble breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, tightness in the chest, hives, itchiness, rash
When do Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Dizziness
Tiredness
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The following Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Blurred vision
chest pain or discomfort
confusion
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
slow or irregular heartbeat
sweating
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
decreased urine output
difficult or labored breathing
difficulty with speaking
dilated neck veins
disturbed color perception
double vision
extreme tiredness or weakness
fast, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
halos around lights
headache
inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
inability to speak
irregular breathing
loss of vision
night blindness
noisy breathing
overbright appearance of lights
pain, tension, and weakness upon walking that subsides during periods of rest
paleness or cold feeling in the fingertips and toes
rapid weight gain
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
short-term memory loss
slow speech
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
tightness in the chest
tingling of the hands or feet
tingling or pain in the fingers or toes when exposed to cold temperatures
troubled breathing
tunnel vision
unusual weight gain or loss
Rare
Bluish color of the skin of the fingers or toes
chills
clay-colored stools
continuing loss of appetite
continuing or severe abdominal or stomach pain
continuing or severe nausea and vomiting
dark urine
difficulty with moving
general tiredness and weakness
hoarseness
increased frequency of urination
itching skin
light-colored stools
lower back or side pain
muscle pain or stiffness
numbness of the fingers or toes
pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
rash
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
unpleasant breath odor
unusual bleeding or bruising
upper right abdominal or stomach pain
vomiting of blood
weakness
yellow eyes and skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Bluish color of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds
change in consciousness
loss of consciousness
no blood pressure or pulse
stopping of the heart
very drowsy or sleepy
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Belching
bloated feeling
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
difficulty having a bowel movement
discouragement
excess air or gas in stomach or bowels
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
feeling of fullness
feeling of indigestion
feeling sad or empty
inability to have or keep an erection
irritability
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
loss of interest or pleasure
nightmares
pain in the chest below the breastbone
passing gas
redness or other discoloration of the skin
sensation of spinning
tiredness
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
Rare
Bone pain
continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
hair loss or thinning of the hair
hearing loss
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
pain in the penis on erection
severe sunburn
Incidence not known
Change in taste or bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
fear or nervousness
hives or welts
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
Pros
- Fast-acting — works quickly after you take it
- First choice treatment after a heart attack
- Available in different strengths, so your dose can be adjusted easily
- Possible option for those who are breastfeeding
Cons
- Need to take with food
- Typically need to take more than once a day
- Not a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure, unless you have certain heart conditions
- Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar
Pharmacist tips for Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
- Take metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) right after meals. This can help lower your risk of side effects, such as dizziness.
- If you miss a dose of metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor), skip it. Take your next dose at the usual time. Don’t take two doses at once.
- Check your blood pressure regularly after starting metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor). Tell your prescriber if it hasn't improved after about a week because they might need to adjust your dose.
- Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) can make you feel dizzy, especially when you first start. Stand up slowly and hold onto something to avoid falling. Tell your care team if the dizziness doesn’t go away.
- Avoid driving or doing tasks that need focus until you know how metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) affects you. If this medication makes you dizzy, it can be dangerous to drive.
- Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) might make you feel more tired or short of breath during daily activities or exercise. Let your prescriber know if this makes it hard to do your normal routine.
- Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) can interact with several other medications. For instance, taking it with other heart medications like diltiazem or verapamil can slow your heart rate to an unsafe level. And certain antidepressants, such as SSRIs, can raise the levels of metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) in your blood. Tell your care team about all of the medications you're taking so they can check for interactions.
- Tell your prescriber or dentist that you take metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) before any surgery. Starting high doses of this medication right before surgery can be dangerous.
- Don’t stop metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) suddenly. Stopping it all of a sudden causes your blood pressure to go up, which can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. Your prescriber will help you lower your dose slowly to avoid serious problems.
More on Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) tips
Risks and warnings for Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risks of stopping treatment suddenly
- Risk factors: Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Don’t stop taking metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) suddenly. This can raise your risk of chest pain or even a heart attack. Signs of a heart attack include chest pain and tightness, pain that spreads to your arms and neck, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, and tiredness. Tell your care team right away if you have new or worsening chest pain.
If you need to stop metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor), let your prescriber know. They will help you lower your dose slowly over 1 to 2 weeks to keep you safe.
Worsening heart failure
- Risk factors: Heart failure
If you have heart failure, unless your symptoms are well controlled. This medication can make heart failure worse. Your cardiologist will decide if it’s safe for you. Tell your prescriber right away if you have symptoms like swelling, shortness of breath, or sudden weight gain.
Risk of difficulty breathing
- Risk factors: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | Asthma
Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) can sometimes make your airways tighten, which can make breathing harder. This is more likely if you have conditions like asthma or COPD. But it’s rare because this medication mainly targets your heart.
Tell your prescriber about your full medical history before starting metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor). You should also keep a rescue inhaler nearby in case your symptoms get worse.
Major surgery
If you're planning to have major surgery, tell your surgeon that you take metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor). Don’t stop taking it before surgery unless your care team tells you to. They will monitor your heart closely during the procedure.
Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
- Risk factors: Diabetes | People who are fasting | Vomiting
Taking metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) can make it harder for you to recognize symptoms of low blood sugar, such as fast heartbeat. This can increase your risk of severe or long-lasting low blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes, are fasting, or are sick. If you take medications like glipizide or insulin, you might not feel all the usual warning signs, such as shakiness, irritability, confusion, or a fast heartbeat.
Sweating might be the only symptom not affected by metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor). Talk to your prescriber about how and when to check your blood sugar while taking this medication.
Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid
- Risk factors: Hyperthyroidism
Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) can hide signs of an overactive thyroid, such as a fast heartbeat. This can make it harder to know if your thyroid levels are too high.
Don’t stop metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) suddenly. Stopping it quickly can trigger a serious condition called a thyroid storm with symptoms like high fever, fast heartbeat, and fainting.
Severe allergic reactions
- Risk factors: Allergies to many things
If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction in the past, taking metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) could make your reactions worse. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms like trouble breathing, wheezing, or swelling of the face/tongue/throat. Tell your prescriber about your allergy history before starting this medication.
Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) dosage
The average cost for 60 tablets of 25mg of Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is $9.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 0.00% off the average retail price of $9.00. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50mg | 180 tablets | $17.90 | $0.10 |
| 25mg | 60 tablets | $9.00 | $0.15 |
| 100mg | 180 tablets | $21.12 | $0.12 |
| 37.5mg | 180 tablets | $29.73 | $0.17 |
| 75mg | 60 tablets | $21.67 | $0.36 |
| 12.5mg | 60 tablets | $96.85 | $1.61 |
Typical dosage for Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
- High blood pressure: The typical dose is 100 mg to 450 mg a day, taken by mouth in smaller doses throughout the day.
- Chest pain: The typical dose is 100 mg to 400 mg a day, taken by mouth in two doses.
- Heart attack:
- You might first receive this medication as an IV injection in the hospital.
- Then you’ll switch to tablets, starting at 50 mg by mouth every 6 hours for a few days. The usual maintenance dose is 100 mg by mouth twice a day for about 3 months.
More on Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) dosage
Interactions between Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) and other drugs
Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
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Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Albuterol
- Ceritinib
- Clonidine
- Crizotinib
- Diltiazem
- Dronedarone
- Fenoldopam
- Fingolimod
- Formoterol
- Givosiran
- Indacaterol
- Iohexol
- Lacosamide
- Lercanidipine
- Levalbuterol
- Lidocaine
- Olodaterol
- Panobinostat
- Ponesimod
- Rifampin
- Rivastigmine
- Salmeterol
- Siponimod
- Terbinafine
- Terbutaline
- Verapamil
- Vilanterol
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acarbose
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acetyldigoxin
- Albiglutide
- Alfuzosin
- Alogliptin
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Arbutamine
- Aspirin
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Bunazosin
- Canagliflozin
- Celecoxib
- Chlorpropamide
- Choline Salicylate
- Citalopram
- Clonixin
- Dapagliflozin
- Deslanoside
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Digitoxin
- Digoxin
- Dipyrone
- Doxazosin
- Droxicam
- Dulaglutide
- Empagliflozin
- Ertugliflozin
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Exenatide
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Flurbiprofen
- Glimepiride
- Glipizide
- Glyburide
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Insulin Aspart, Recombinant
- Insulin Degludec
- Insulin Detemir
- Insulin Glargine, Recombinant
- Insulin Glulisine
- Insulin Human Inhaled
- Insulin Human Isophane (NPH)
- Insulin Human Regular
- Insulin Lispro, Recombinant
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Linagliptin
- Liraglutide
- Lixisenatide
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Metformin
- Metildigoxin
- Mibefradil
- Miglitol
- Mirabegron
- Morniflumate
- Moxisylyte
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nateglinide
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Phenelzine
- Phenobarbital
- Phenoxybenzamine
- Phentolamine
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Pioglitazone
- Piroxicam
- Pramlintide
- Pranoprofen
- Prazosin
- Proglumetacin
- Propoxyphene
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Repaglinide
- Rifapentine
- Rofecoxib
- Rosiglitazone
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Saxagliptin
- Sitagliptin
- Sodium Salicylate
- St John's Wort
- Sulindac
- Tamsulosin
- Telithromycin
- Tenoxicam
- Terazosin
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tolazamide
- Tolbutamide
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Trimazosin
- Urapidil
- Valdecoxib
- Venlafaxine
- Vildagliptin
How much does Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) cost?
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Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) will not be safe for you to take.
- Very slow heart rate,
- Low blood pressure (e.g., systolic blood pressure less than 100, cardiac shock)
- Moderate to severe heart failure
- Sick-sinus syndrome, heart block, other issues with heart rhythm
What are alternatives to Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) images
