GoodRx Holdings Inc.

10/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/04/2024 11:40

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.

  • Both metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate ER are available as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you save over 70% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.

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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.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

  • 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 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.

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.

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
  • 25 mg
  • 37.5 mg
  • 50 mg
  • 75 mg
  • 100 mg
  • 25 mg
  • 50 mg
  • 100 mg
  • 200 mg
FDA-approved indications
  • High blood pressure
  • Chest pain
  • After a heart attack
  • High blood pressure
  • Chest pain
  • Heart failure

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 brand-name medications and lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you find ways to save on both brand-name and generic forms of metoprolol.

Generic metoprolol tartrate's price at certain pharmacies is as low as $4.00for a 30-day supply with a free GoodRx discount. And a 30-day supply of generic metoprolol succinate ER may cost as little as $9.00with a free GoodRx discount.

GoodRx also offers exclusive savings of over 40% off the cost of brand-name Toprol XL.

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?

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.
Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.
Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

References

Bryant Ranch Prepack. (2024). Metoprolol succinate - metoprolol succinate tablet, extended release [package insert].

Morris, J., et al. (2024). Metoprolol. StatPearls.

View All References (3)
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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.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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