The key difference between metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate is that metoprolol tartrate is available only as an immediate-release tablet, so we have to take it several times per day, whereas metoprolol succinate is an extended-release tablet that we can take once a day.
Metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate are two forms of medication. We can define metoprolol tartrate as a beta-blocker that can affect the heart and circulation. Metoprolol succinate is useful as a beta-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist that has antihypertensive properties.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Metoprolol Tartrate
3. What is Metoprolol Succinate
4. Metoprolol Tartrate vs Metoprolol Succinate in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Metoprolol Tartrate vs Metoprolol Succinate
What is Metoprolol Tartrate?
Metoprolol tartrate is a medication that is useful as a beta-blocker and can affect the heart and circulation. It is useful in treating angina and hypertension. We can use this medication to lower the risk of death or the need for hospitalization in case of heart failure. However, we should not use this drug if we have a serious heart problem block, sick sinus syndrome, severe problems in circulation, severe heart failures, etc. Moreover, it can pass into breast milk and can cause dry skin, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation or slow heartbeat in babies. Therefore, it’s not recommended for nursing mothers.
Figure 01: Structure of Metoprolol Molecule
It is important to take this medication at the same time each day. It should be taken with a meal or just after a meal. It comes as a capsule – we need to swallow the whole capsule at once without crushing, chewing, breaking or opening it. Further, if we take metoprolol tartrate we need to check our blood pressure frequently. More importantly, we shouldn’t stop taking this drug immediately because it can worsen the condition we have.
The most common side effects of metoprolol tartrate include dizziness, depression, nightmares, diarrhea, and mild itching or rash. There are some rare side effects such as very slow heartbeats, light-headed feelings, shortness of breath, etc.
What is Metoprolol Succinate?
Metoprolol succinate is a medication that is cardio-selective and it is a competitive beta-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist having antihypertensive properties. We can use this drug for the treatment of angina, hypertension and lower the risk of death.
However, we should not take this medicine if we have a severe heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heart rate, etc. and severe circulation problems. The administration of the drug is similar to that of metoprolol tartrate, and the side effects are also similar in most cases.
Difference Between Metoprolol Tartrate and Metoprolol Succinate
Metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol tartrate are two forms of medication. Tartrate is the tartrate salt of metoprolol while Succinate is the succinate salt of metoprolol. The key difference between metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate is that metoprolol tartrate is available only as an immediate-release tablet so we have to take it several times per day, whereas metoprolol succinate is an extended-release tablet that we can take once a day.
The following table lists the differences between metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate for side by side comparison.
Summary – Metoprolol Tartrate vs Metoprolol Succinate
Metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol tartrate are two forms of medication. The key difference between metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate is that metoprolol tartrate is available only as an immediate-release tablet, so we have to take it several times per day, whereas metoprolol succinate is an extended-release tablet that we can take once a day.
Note: Medicines should not be taken without consulting doctors.
Reference:
1. “Metoprolol succinate ER uses, side effects & warnings.” Drugs.com.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Metoprolol structure” By Yikrazuul – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “1108740” (CC0) via Pxhere