From the Guidelines
Metoprolol tartrate should be administered orally at a dose of 25 to 50 mg every 6 to 12 hours, then transitioned over the next 2 to 3 days to twice-daily dosing of metoprolol tartrate or to daily metoprolol succinate, with a target daily dose of 200 mg as tolerated. The dosing frequency of metoprolol tartrate is crucial in managing conditions such as hypertension, angina, and heart failure, as it helps to maintain a consistent therapeutic effect while minimizing potential side effects 1. Key considerations in determining the appropriate dosing frequency include the patient's individual response to the medication, the presence of any contraindications or cautions, and the need to titrate the dose to achieve optimal therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse reactions. Some important factors to consider when administering metoprolol tartrate include:
- Starting dose: 25 to 50 mg every 6 to 12 hours
- Transition to twice-daily dosing: over the next 2 to 3 days
- Target daily dose: 200 mg as tolerated
- Contraindications and cautions: signs of heart failure, low output state, increased risk of cardiogenic shock, prolonged first-degree or high-grade AV block, and reactive airways disease 1. It is essential to monitor patients closely during the initiation and titration phases of metoprolol tartrate therapy to ensure that the chosen dosing frequency is effective and well-tolerated.
From the FDA Drug Label
In patients who tolerate the full intravenous dose (15 mg), initiate metoprolol tartrate tablets, 50 mg every 6 hours, 15 minutes after the last intravenous dose and continued for 48 hours. Thereafter, the maintenance dosage is 100 mg orally twice daily
- The frequency of administration for Metoprolol (Lopressor) tartrate is:
- Every 6 hours for the initial 48 hours (50 mg orally)
- Twice daily (100 mg orally) for maintenance dosage 2
From the Research
Frequency of Administration for Metoprolol (Lopressor) Tartrate
The frequency of administration for Metoprolol (Lopressor) tartrate can vary depending on the specific formulation and the condition being treated.
- Metoprolol tartrate is typically administered twice daily in the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris 3.
- However, some studies suggest that once daily administration may be possible in treating hypertension 3.
- In the treatment of congestive heart failure, metoprolol tartrate can be administered twice daily, with a target dose of 50 mg twice a day 4.
- Controlled-release formulations of metoprolol, such as metoprolol succinate, can be administered once daily, with a target dose of 100 mg once a day 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The choice of formulation and dosing frequency may depend on the individual patient's response to treatment and the specific clinical context.
- Studies have shown that once daily administration of controlled-release metoprolol can be as effective as twice daily administration of conventional metoprolol tartrate in treating angina pectoris and heart failure 5, 6, 7.