Prescription medication · Beta-Blocker

metoprolol

Name: metoprolol - FDA Drug Safety & Adverse Event Data
Creator: PlainMeds
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

Also sold as Lopressor, Toprol-XL. Metoprolol treats high blood pressure (hypertension).

Compiled by PlainMeds Editorial, Drug Information Editorial Team

Data updated 2026-05-15

246,252
FDA reportsHeavily reported: 18
InteractionsSeveral interactions: 96% less
Generic vs brandHuge savings: In shortage
FDA status

What the data shows

metoprolol (Lopressor) is a prescription Beta-Blocker, in the top 5% of tracked drugs by FAERS report volume (246,252 FDA reports), whose generic costs a fraction of the brand (about 96% less).

Reporting volume reflects how widely a drug is used and studied, not how dangerous it is, a FAERS report documents a temporal association, never proof of cause.

metoprolol (Lopressor) is a prescription Beta-Blocker. Metoprolol treats high blood pressure (hypertension).

Metoprolol is a beta-blocker medicine. It can lower blood pressure, reduce chest pain, and improve survival after a heart attack.

Verify with FDA → · CMS NADAC pricing →

Drug Shortage Alert

metoprolol is currently listed as to be discontinued by the FDA. Affected manufacturer: Aurobindo Pharma USA.

View all drug shortages →

Drug Pricing (NADAC)

Brand Price

$2.42/unit

Generic Price

$0.10/unit

Generic Savings

96%

Generic Available

Yes (30 manufacturers)

Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →

View Alternatives → Compare with Another Drug → Full Side Effects Report →

What it does

Metoprolol treats high blood pressure (hypertension).

Common side effects

Tiredness, Dizziness, Depression

Key warnings

Stopping metoprolol suddenly can make chest pain worse or cause a heart attack.

The sections below are summarized in plain English from metoprolol's FDA-approved prescribing information. They describe what the official label says, and are not personal medical advice.

How It Works

Metoprolol blocks the effects of adrenaline on the heart. This makes the heart beat slower and with less force. As a result, blood pressure is lowered and the heart does not need as much oxygen.

How to Take It

Take metoprolol once or twice a day with food or right after eating. Your doctor may adjust your dose every week until your blood pressure is under control. The usual starting dose for high blood pressure or angina is 100 mg per day. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly.

This is a plain-language summary of metoprolol's FDA labeling, not individualized dosing advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before changing how you take this medication.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Metoprolol can cross the placenta, and may cause low blood pressure, low blood sugar, and a slow heart rate in the newborn. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

This is a plain-language summary of metoprolol's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about pregnancy or breastfeeding on this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

This is a plain-language summary of metoprolol's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber what to do about your specific missed dose.

Storage

Store metoprolol at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Side Effects (from patient reports)

Based on 246,252 FDA adverse event reports.

Tiredness

15,963
Shortness of breath

14,131
Diarrhea

13,634
Feeling sick to your stomach

13,392
Feeling lightheaded

11,697
Death

9,738
Weakness

9,411
Pain

9,113
Fall

9,082
Headache

8,836

What this shows Bars show how often each reaction was reported, not how likely it is to happen, a report records a temporal association, never proof that the drug caused it.

Reports over time

Adverse-event reports filed for metoprolol each year to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Year-to-year volume tracks usage, prescribing, and scrutiny, not a change in per-patient risk. Source: FDA FAERS.

Where metoprolol sits

metoprolol has more FDA adverse-event reports than 96% of the drugs FAERS tracks. A high position reflects how widely a drug is used and watched, not how dangerous it is.

fewest reports most reports

Percentile across all drugs PlainMeds tracks by FAERS report volume. The dot is metoprolol; the line is the median (50th percentile).

FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis

Detailed analysis of 246,252 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 2001–2025.

Total Reports

246,252

Reports Mentioning Death

27,931

11.3% of reports — not proof of cause

Hospitalization Reports

96,962

Top Indication

Product Used For Unknown Indication

Gender Distribution

Female 122,554 (53%)

Male 107,692 (47%)

Age Distribution

0–17 1,513

18–44 11,591

45–64 53,151

65–74 49,186

75+ 54,710

Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)

#	Reaction	Reports
1	FATIGUE	15,966
2	DYSPNOEA	14,128
3	DIARRHOEA	13,635
4	NAUSEA	13,398
6	DIZZINESS	11,699
8	DEATH	9,738
9	ASTHENIA	9,410
10	PAIN	9,111
11	FALL	9,084
12	HEADACHE	8,835
13	HYPOTENSION	7,535
14	VOMITING	7,128
15	PNEUMONIA	7,103
16	ARTHRALGIA	6,782
17	ATRIAL FIBRILLATION	6,687

Reactions in Death Reports

DEATH 9,701

COMPLETED SUICIDE 3,471

TOXICITY TO VARIOUS AGENTS 1,693

CARDIAC ARREST 1,363

PNEUMONIA 1,354

RENAL FAILURE 1,289

DYSPNOEA 1,191

ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY 1,081

HYPOTENSION 1,043

SEPSIS 947

Reactions in Hospitalization Reports

DYSPNOEA 8,069

FALL 6,075

PNEUMONIA 5,839

FATIGUE 5,639

NAUSEA 5,487

DIARRHOEA 5,371

DIZZINESS 5,052

ASTHENIA 4,979

HYPOTENSION 4,867

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION 4,660

Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation

Serious Warnings

Stopping metoprolol suddenly can make chest pain worse or cause a heart attack. If you have heart failure, it could get worse. If you have asthma or other lung problems, avoid beta-blockers if possible.

Known Drug Interactions

major theophylline

albuterol, systemic and inhaled mebendazole amoxicillin medroxyprogesterone ampicillin, with or without sulbactam methylprednisolone atenolol metronidazole azithromycin metoprolol caffeine, dietary ingestion nadolol cefaclor nifedipine co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole) nizatidine diltiazem norfloxacin dirithromycin ofloxacin enflurane omeprazole famotidine prednisone, prednisolone felodipine ranitidine finasteride rifabutin hydrocortisone roxithromycin isoflurane Sorbitol (purgative doses do not inhibit theophylline absorption) isoniazid sucralfate isradipine terbutaline,...

Mechanism: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that can block the airway-opening effects of theophylline. This combination can make it harder for you to breathe and may change the amount of medicine in your blood.

What to do: Your doctor may need to adjust your dosages or monitor your blood levels closely. Report any new breathing difficulties to your healthcare provider immediately.

moderate clonidine

( 7.3 ) Concomitant use of glycosides, clonidine, and diltiazem and verapamil with beta-blockers can increase the risk of bradycardia. ( 7.4 ) Beta-blockers including metoprolol, may exacerbate the rebound hypertension that can follow the withdrawal of clonidine. 7.4 Negative Chronotropes Digitalis glycosides, clonidine, diltiazem and verapamil slow atrioventricular conduction and decrease heart rate.

Mechanism: Both drugs work to slow down your heart rate, which can cause your heart to beat too slowly when taken together. Additionally, stopping one of these drugs suddenly can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.

What to do: Your doctor should monitor your heart rate and blood pressure regularly. Do not stop taking either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider.

moderate diltiazem

( 7.3 ) Concomitant use of glycosides, clonidine, and diltiazem and verapamil with beta-blockers can increase the risk of bradycardia. 7.4 Negative Chronotropes Digitalis glycosides, clonidine, diltiazem and verapamil slow atrioventricular conduction and decrease heart rate.

Mechanism: Both of these medicines slow down your heart rate and the electrical signals that tell your heart when to beat. Taking them together can make your heart beat much slower than it should.

What to do: Your doctor should monitor your heart rate and pulse closely while you are taking both medications. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel dizzy, weak, or faint.

moderate verapamil

Mechanism: These drugs both work to lower your heart rate and slow down the electrical conduction in your heart. Using them at the same time increases the risk of your heart rate becoming dangerously slow.

What to do: Your healthcare provider should check your heart rhythm regularly. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosages to ensure your heart rate stays in a safe range.

minor fluoxetine

7.3 CYP2D6 Inhibitors Drugs that are strong inhibitors of CYP2D6 such as quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and propafenone were shown to double metoprolol concentrations.

Mechanism: Fluoxetine blocks the liver from breaking down metoprolol, which can cause the amount of metoprolol in your blood to double.

What to do: Your doctor may need to lower your metoprolol dose and monitor your heart rate closely.

Check all your medications →

This is a plain-language summary of interactions documented in FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before combining medications.

Common Questions

Can I drink alcohol while taking metoprolol?

Talk to your doctor about drinking alcohol while taking metoprolol. Alcohol can lower your blood pressure and may increase the effects of metoprolol.

Will metoprolol make me gain weight?

Weight gain is not a common side effect of metoprolol, but it can happen. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about weight gain.

Can I exercise while taking metoprolol?

Yes, but talk to your doctor about the best type and amount of exercise for you.

Does metoprolol interact with other medications?

Yes, metoprolol can interact with other medications. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Can I take metoprolol if I have diabetes?

Yes, but metoprolol can hide the symptoms of low blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

What should I do if I feel dizzy while taking metoprolol?

Get up slowly from a sitting or lying position. If dizziness continues, talk to your doctor.

How long does it take for metoprolol to start working?

Metoprolol starts working right away to lower blood pressure, but it may take a few weeks to see the full effect.

Can I stop taking metoprolol if I feel better?

No, do not stop taking metoprolol without talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly can be dangerous.

Does metoprolol cause erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a possible side effect, but it is not common. Talk to your doctor if you experience this problem.

Can metoprolol affect my cholesterol?

Metoprolol can sometimes slightly increase triglyceride levels and lower HDL (good) cholesterol. Your doctor will monitor your cholesterol levels.

What are the common side effects of metoprolol?

The most commonly reported side effects of metoprolol include Tiredness, Dizziness, Depression, Shortness of breath, Slow heart rate. Based on 246,252 FDA adverse event reports. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.

Does metoprolol interact with other medications?

Yes, metoprolol has 18 known drug interactions. Notable interactions include theophylline, clonidine, diltiazem. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

What drug class is metoprolol?

metoprolol belongs to the Beta-Blocker drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). Metoprolol treats high blood pressure (hypertension).

Is there a generic version of metoprolol?

Yes, generic metoprolol is available from 30 manufacturers. The generic costs $0.10 per unit compared to $2.42 for the brand version, saving approximately 96%. Pricing is based on NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) data from CMS.

Is metoprolol safe during pregnancy?

Has metoprolol been recalled?

There are 6 recalls associated with metoprolol products. Failed Dissolution Specifications. Check the recalls section below for full details and affected products.

Is metoprolol currently in shortage?

Yes, metoprolol is currently listed as to be discontinued by the FDA. Affected manufacturer: Aurobindo Pharma USA. Visit the FDA Drug Shortages database for the latest updates.