Is metoprolol used for hypertension?

From the Guidelines

Yes, metoprolol is used for hypertension.

Key Points

• Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure and improving outcomes in patients with hypertension, particularly those with heart failure or coronary artery disease 1.
• The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology recommend metoprolol as a first-line therapy for hypertension in patients with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) 1.
• Metoprolol is also recommended for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and hypertension, with the initial therapy including a short-acting β1-selective β-blocker such as metoprolol tartrate or bisoprolol 1.
• The dosage and formulation of metoprolol may vary depending on the specific clinical scenario, with metoprolol succinate being a commonly used formulation for hypertension treatment 1.
• While beta-blockers, including metoprolol, may have some limitations and side effects, such as increased risk of depression or erectile dysfunction, the benefits of metoprolol in hypertension treatment outweigh the risks in many patients 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

In controlled clinical studies, metoprolol has been shown to be an effective antihypertensive agent when used alone or as concomitant therapy with thiazide-type diuretics, at oral dosages of 100 to 450 mg daily In controlled, comparative, clinical studies, metoprolol has been shown to be as effective an antihypertensive agent as propranolol, methyldopa, and thiazide-type diuretics, to be equally effective in supine and standing positions

Metoprolol is used for hypertension. It has been shown to be an effective antihypertensive agent in controlled clinical studies, both alone and in combination with other medications, such as thiazide-type diuretics 2.

From the Research

Metoprolol and Hypertension

• Metoprolol is used in the treatment of hypertension, as evidenced by multiple studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• The drug has been shown to be effective in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension 4, 5.
• Metoprolol is often used in combination with other medications, such as diuretics, to achieve optimal blood pressure control 3, 5, 6.
• The medication is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including fatigue, dizziness, and headache 3, 4, 5.
• Metoprolol's cardioselectivity makes it a suitable option for patients with certain comorbidities, such as asthma and diabetes 3, 5.

Efficacy of Metoprolol in Hypertension

• Studies have demonstrated that metoprolol is effective in reducing blood pressure in patients with mild to moderate hypertension 3, 4, 5.
• The medication has been shown to be at least as effective as other beta-blockers, diuretics, and certain calcium antagonists in the treatment of hypertension 3.
• Metoprolol's efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with hypertension and coronary heart disease has also been established 6, 7.

Dosage and Administration

• Metoprolol is typically administered orally, with a usual dosage range of 100-200 mg per day 4, 5.
• The medication can be given in a single daily dose or divided into twice-daily doses 3, 5.
• A controlled-release formulation of metoprolol succinate is available, which provides relatively constant metoprolol plasma concentrations and beta(1)-blockade with once-daily administration 6.