Skip to main content

Which is safer: metoprolol succinate or tartrate?

Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on Jan 9, 2025.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Metoprolol succinate and metoprolol tartrate contain the same active drug, metoprolol. The only difference is the salt form. Similar side effects may occur. These include:

  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Decreased heart rate
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Depression
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
  • Feeling short of breath
  • Worsening heart failure or chest pain
  • Risk of heart attack or worsening chest pain if metoprolol is stopped abruptly

Read next

What is the best time of day to take blood pressure medication?

Research has suggested that taking your blood pressure medication at night instead of in the morning can provide better blood pressure control at night without compromising daytime blood pressure control and reduce your overall risk of dying because of cardiovascular disease by 45%. Continue reading

Does metoprolol lower resting heart rate?

Yes, metoprolol can lower resting heart rate. It is a beta-blocking medication that is used to lower blood pressure, as well as relieve chest pain from angina pectoris. It is also used for the treatment of heart failure and heart attack. Metoprolol comes in both immediate-release and long-acting formulations. Continue reading

Metoprolol Succinate vs Tartrate: What's the difference between them?

Metoprolol is available as two different salts: metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate.

The main difference between metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate is that metoprolol tartrate is only available as an immediate-release tablet which means it must be taken several times per day, whereas metoprolol succinate is an extended-release tablet that can be taken once a day. As a result, there are differences in the dosages and indications for both metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate and they are not considered interchangeable. Continue reading

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups