From the Guidelines
Metoprolol does not have to be taken with food, though it can be taken with or after meals if stomach upset occurs. This beta-blocker medication can be taken on an empty stomach without affecting its absorption or effectiveness. However, some patients may experience gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or stomach discomfort when taking metoprolol, and in these cases, taking it with food can help minimize these symptoms.
Key Points to Consider
- It's essential to take metoprolol consistently, either always with food or always without food, to maintain steady blood levels of the medication.
- The extended-release formulations (metoprolol succinate/ER) should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.
- If significant stomach upset with metoprolol occurs, discussing this with a healthcare provider may lead to recommendations for adjusting the timing of the dose or switching to a different formulation or medication.
- Remember to take metoprolol at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels for optimal blood pressure or heart rate control, as supported by guidelines such as those from the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association 1.
From the Research
Metoprolol Administration with Food
- The study 2 found that concomitant administration of antacid increased the maximum concentration and area under the plasma concentration-time curve of metoprolol by 25% and 11%, respectively.
- However, the study 3 showed that food intake did not affect the absorption of metoprolol administered as an Oros drug delivery system, with 80-90% of the amount absorbed reaching the systemic circulation within 10 hours.
- The influence of food on metoprolol absorption is not clearly established, but it is generally recommended to take metoprolol with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
- Studies 4 and 5 discussed the pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy of metoprolol, but did not provide specific information on the effect of food on its absorption.
- The study 6 mentioned that antacids can increase the plasma concentrations of metoprolol, but this does not directly address the question of why metoprolol should be taken with food.