 Medically reviewed by Austin Ulrich, PharmD
Key Takeaways
- Metoprolol tartrate is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and to improve survival after a heart attack.
- The generic version, metoprolol tartrate, contains the same active ingredients as brand-name Lopressor but costs significantly less.
- Prescription discount programs like the Super+ RX coupon can help you save money on metoprolol tartrate and other prescriptions.
Price Comparison: Brand vs. Generic
Understanding the cost difference between the brand name medication and the generic alternative is the first step toward sustainable savings. The following table illustrates the estimated price difference you may encounter at the pharmacy counter.
| Medication Name | Estimated Average Retail Price | Estimated Super+ RX Member Price |
| Metoprolol Tartrate (Generic) | ~$25.00 – $45.00 | ~$10.00 – $20.00 |
| Lopressor (Brand) | ~$620.00 – $650.00 | ~$330.00 – $360.00 |
What Is Metoprolol Tartrate?
Metoprolol tartrate is a prescription medication belonging to a class of medications known as beta-blockers. For many Americans managing heart health, this medication is a cornerstone of their daily routine. It is FDA-approved to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris (chest pain related to heart disease), and is frequently used to reduce the risk of future heart problems after a myocardial infarction (heart attack).
To understand how metoprolol tartrate helps, it is useful to understand how stress affects the cardiovascular system. Your body naturally produces hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. These hormones act as chemical messengers that tell your heart to beat faster and squeeze harder. While this “fight or flight” response is helpful in emergencies, it is detrimental for someone with a heart condition. Constant stimulation from these hormones can keep blood pressure high and force the heart to work overtime, leading to long-term damage.
Metoprolol tartrate works by blocking the beta receptors in the heart. Think of these receptors as “parking spots” for adrenaline. When metoprolol occupies these spots, adrenaline cannot dock there. As a result, the heart rate slows down, the force of each heartbeat is reduced, and blood vessels relax. This reduces the overall workload on the heart and lowers blood pressure, making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body.
Brand Name vs. Generic
You may hear this medication referred to by its brand name, Lopressor. Lopressor was the original brand-name version of metoprolol tartrate introduced to the market. Today, the patent on the original formula has expired, allowing other pharmaceutical manufacturers to produce the medication under its generic name: metoprolol tartrate.
It is important to understand that the FDA requires generic medications to have the same active ingredient, strength, safety profile, and route of administration as the brand-name product. While the inactive ingredients (such as fillers or binding agents) may differ, the therapeutic effect of generic metoprolol tartrate is identical to Lopressor. For most patients, taking the generic offers the exact same health benefits at a fraction of the cost.
Metoprolol Tartrate vs. Metoprolol Succinate
A common point of confusion is the difference between metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate. While they share the same root name and active compound, they are not interchangeable without a healthcare professional’s guidance.
- Metoprolol Tartrate: This is an immediate-release formulation. It enters the bloodstream quickly and leaves the body relatively fast. Because of this, it is usually taken twice a day, or sometimes more frequently, to maintain consistent levels in the body. It may be the preferred form for acute situations, such as immediately following a heart attack.
- Metoprolol Succinate: This is an extended-release formulation (often associated with the brand name Toprol XL). It is designed to release the medication slowly over 24 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing. It is predominantly used for treating heart failure and long-term blood pressure management, where convenience and steady absorption are priorities.
This guide focuses specifically on metoprolol tartrate. Always check your prescription bottle label to confirm which version you have been prescribed.
How to Save on Your Metoprolol Tartrate Prescription
Here are several practical ways you can save money if you need a prescription for metoprolol tartrate — whether you have insurance or not:
- Use a prescription discount card or coupon like Super+ RX: The Super+ RX coupon uncovers discounts to help lower out-of-pocket costs for metoprolol tartrate. Whether it’s metoprolol tartrate or another medication, we want to help you save—because your well-being comes first.
- Check multiple pharmacies — cash prices can vary. Pharmacies in the same area sometimes charge different prices for the same medication. Comparing cash prices among pharmacies can help you find the cheapest option. Search for your prescription on Super.com/rx, compare prices across pharmacies, and find discounts near you.
- Consider asking for the generic form, not the brand-name form. The generic version of metoprolol tartrate is often much cheaper than the brand-name version, Lopressor, and works the same.
What you can do before you go to the pharmacy:
- Use a discount program like the Super+ RX coupon — print it or bring it on your phone — and ask the pharmacist or cashier to apply it to your prescription.
- Compare at least two or three pharmacies on Super.com/rx to see who offers the lowest price.
- If you are uninsured or if you have a high copay, ask your healthcare team about patient-assistance programs or reduced-cost clinics in your area.
Ready to save on metoprolol tartrate? Compare prices for metoprolol tartrate at pharmacies near you and start lowering your medication costs.
Usage and Administration
Taking metoprolol tartrate correctly is vital for its effectiveness. Because it influences heart rate and blood pressure directly, adherence to the prescribed schedule helps prevent dangerous fluctuations.
Dosage Information
Metoprolol tartrate is available in tablet form. Common strengths include 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets. Your healthcare professional will determine the specific dosage based on your medical condition, age, and response to the treatment.
Typically, because the tartrate form is immediate-release, the total daily dose is divided. For example, a patient prescribed 100 mg daily might take one 50 mg tablet in the morning and one 50 mg tablet in the evening.
- Hypertension: Dosages often start low (e.g., 50 mg twice daily) and may be increased gradually.
- Angina Pectoris: Treatment may begin with 50 mg twice daily, adjusted based on how well the chest pain is controlled.
- Post-Myocardial Infarction: Dosage regimens after a heart attack are highly specific and often start while you are still in the hospital.
Best Practices for Taking the Medication
To maximize the benefits and minimize stomach upset, it is generally recommended to take metoprolol tartrate with a meal or immediately following a meal. Food can slightly increase the absorption of the medication into your bloodstream, making the dose more effective.
Consistency is key. Try to take your doses at the same times every day. This maintains a steady level of the medication in your body, which keeps your blood pressure and heart rate stable around the clock. If you have trouble remembering, consider using a pill organizer or setting alarms on your phone.
Missed Doses
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one. Doubling up can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels, leading to fainting or heart problems.
Stopping the Medication
You should never stop taking metoprolol tartrate abruptly. Unlike some medications that can be discontinued instantly, stopping a beta-blocker suddenly can cause a “rebound effect.” This can lead to a sharp spike in blood pressure, severe chest pain, or even a heart attack. If you need to stop the medication, your healthcare professional will guide you through a tapering process, gradually reducing the dose over several weeks to allow your body to adjust safely.
Side Effects
Like all medications, metoprolol tartrate can cause side effects. Most people tolerate the medication well, and side effects often diminish as your body gets used to the medication. However, being aware of what to look for allows you to manage your health proactively.
Common Side Effects
These symptoms are generally not life-threatening but can be bothersome. If they persist or worsen, discuss them with your healthcare professional.
- Fatigue and Lethargy: Because the medication slows the heart rate, you may feel more tired than usual. This is very common when first starting the medication or increasing the dose.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Lower blood pressure can cause dizziness, especially when standing up quickly from a sitting or lying position.
- Cold Hands and Feet: Beta-blockers can reduce blood flow to the extremities, causing fingers and toes to feel cold.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, or constipation may occur.
- Sleep Disturbances: Some patients report vivid dreams, nightmares, or difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
- Dry Mouth and Eyes: Reduced secretion of fluids is a possible side effect.
Serious Side Effects
While rare, some side effects require immediate attention. Contact a healthcare professional if you experience:
- Bradycardia (Very Slow Heart Rate): If your pulse consistently drops below 50 beats per minute, or you feel faint.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a tightening in the chest.
- Edema: Swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles, which can be a sign of worsening heart failure.
- Mental Health Changes: sudden confusion, severe depression, or memory problems.
- Severe Allergic Reaction: Rash, itching, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, or severe dizziness.
Managing Dizziness
Dizziness (often caused by blood pressure reductions associated with metoprolol tartrate) is one of the most frequently reported complaints. To manage this safely:
- Rise Slowly: When getting out of bed or standing up from a chair, take your time. Sit on the edge of the bed for a minute before standing.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen low blood pressure.
- Monitor Alcohol Intake: Alcohol can amplify the blood-pressure-lowering effect of the medication, increasing the risk of fainting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drink coffee while taking metoprolol tartrate? Generally, moderate consumption of coffee is considered safe for most people taking metoprolol. However, caffeine is a stimulant that can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate, which opposes the action of the medication. If you notice that caffeine makes you feel jittery or if your blood pressure remains high despite medication, consider switching to decaf or limiting your intake.
Can I stop taking metoprolol if my blood pressure is normal? No. If your blood pressure is normal, it means the medication is working. Hypertension is often a “silent” condition with no symptoms, but the damage occurs internally. Stopping the medication will likely cause your blood pressure to rise again. Furthermore, stopping abruptly can be dangerous. Never discontinue the medication without specific instructions from a healthcare professional.
Does metoprolol cause coughing? A persistent dry cough is commonly associated with a different class of blood pressure medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as lisinopril, not beta-blockers like metoprolol. However, if you have asthma or heart failure, metoprolol could theoretically exacerbate wheezing or shortness of breath. If you develop a new cough, discuss it with your healthcare professional to determine the cause.
What is the difference between Lopressor and Toprol XL? Lopressor is the brand name for metoprolol tartrate (immediate-release), typically taken twice daily. Toprol XL is the brand name for metoprolol succinate (extended-release), typically taken once daily. They release the medication into the body at different speeds and are used for slightly different purposes. Do not switch between them unless instructed to do so.
Is it safe to drive while taking this medication? You should be cautious when you first start taking metoprolol or after a dosage increase. The medication can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Observe how your body reacts to the medication before driving a car or operating heavy machinery. If you feel lightheaded or your reaction times feel slow, avoid driving.
Can I take pain relievers with metoprolol? Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally safe to take with metoprolol. However, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can cause the body to retain fluid and may decrease the effectiveness of blood pressure medications. Occasional use is usually okay, but frequent use should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Why do I have to take it with food? Metoprolol tartrate is absorbed better when there is food in the stomach. Taking it with or immediately after a meal increases the amount of active medication that enters your bloodstream, ensuring you get the full benefit of the dose. It can also help reduce the likelihood of an upset stomach.
Does metoprolol cause erectile dysfunction? Yes, beta-blockers are known to potentially cause sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. This happens because the medication lowers blood pressure and blocks nerve impulses that are involved in arousal. If this side effect affects your quality of life, speak to your healthcare professional. Often, adjusting the dose or switching to a different type of blood pressure medication can help.
What should I do if I accidentally take too much? An overdose of metoprolol can be very serious. Symptoms may include a very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, and blue fingernails or lips. If you suspect an overdose, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Is metoprolol safe during pregnancy? Metoprolol crosses the placenta and can affect the developing fetus. It is sometimes used during pregnancy if the benefit justifies the risk, but it requires careful monitoring of the baby’s growth and heart rate. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you must discuss the risks and benefits thoroughly with your healthcare professional.
Ready to save on metoprolol tartrate? Compare prices for metoprolol tartrate at pharmacies near you and start lowering your medication costs.
References
Farzam K, Jan A. Beta blockers. StatPearls. August 22, 2023. Accessed February 17, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532906/
Khalil B, Rosani A, Warrington SJ. Physiology, catecholamines. StatPearls. December 11, 2024. Accessed February 17, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507716/
Metoprolol tartrate- metoprolol tablet. Prescribing information. NuCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2026. Accessed February 17, 2026. https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/47d11c0c-82dd-33b1-e063-6394a90a6a97/spl-doc
Morris J, Awosika AO, Dunham A. Metoprolol. StatPearls. February 29, 2024. Accessed February 17, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532923/
Disclaimer:
Generative AI was used in the development of this content. All information in this article has been reviewed by our highly-trained clinicians. We do not provide medical advice. Please, consult a physician.
