Betaloc Content and Formulations
Betaloc contains metoprolol tartrate as the active ingredient, available in multiple oral tablet strengths for cardiovascular indications.
Active Ingredient
The active pharmaceutical ingredient in Betaloc is metoprolol tartrate, a cardioselective (beta-1) adrenergic receptor blocking agent 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3, 6.
Available Strengths and Dosing
Based on guideline recommendations, metoprolol tartrate (the formulation used in Betaloc) is available and dosed as follows:
Standard Immediate-Release Tablets
Clinical Dosing Ranges by Indication
For Hypertension:
- Usual dose range: 100-200 mg twice daily 4, 5, 6
- Can be initiated at 25-100 mg depending on clinical scenario
For Acute Myocardial Infarction (STEMI/NSTEMI):
- Initial oral dosing: 25-50 mg every 6-12 hours, then transition to twice-daily dosing
- Maintenance: Up to 100 mg twice daily (total daily dose up to 200 mg) 1, 3
- IV formulation: 5 mg increments up to 15 mg total, followed by oral therapy
For Angina:
- 50-200 mg twice daily 3
For Supraventricular Tachycardia:
- 25 mg twice daily initially, with maintenance dosing individualized 2
Formulation Considerations
Important distinction: Metoprolol tartrate (used in Betaloc) is an immediate-release formulation requiring twice-daily dosing, which differs from metoprolol succinate (extended-release formulation) that allows once-daily administration 7, 8, 9, 10. The succinate formulation (marketed as metoprolol CR/XL) has demonstrated superior mortality benefits in heart failure trials compared to the tartrate formulation 7, 8, 10.
Inactive Ingredients
While specific inactive ingredients for Betaloc tablets are not detailed in the provided evidence, standard tablet formulations typically contain pharmaceutical excipients such as binders, fillers, and disintegrants. The ophthalmic preparation mentioned in the evidence 11 is a different product (Betoptic Pilo) and not relevant to oral Betaloc tablets.
Clinical Context
Key prescribing consideration: When prescribing for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, guidelines preferentially recommend metoprolol succinate (not tartrate/Betaloc) at target doses of 200 mg daily, along with bisoprolol, carvedilol, or nebivolol 7, 8, 6, 10. The tartrate formulation showed inferior outcomes compared to carvedilol in the COMET trial 10.
For acute coronary syndromes and hypertension, metoprolol tartrate (Betaloc) remains an appropriate choice with the dosing ranges specified above 1, 3, 4, 5.