NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Metoprolol

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta-1 blocker available in immediate-release (tartrate) and extended-release (succinate) formulations. The MERIT-HF trial demonstrated significant mortality reduction in heart failure with the succinate formulation. It is widely used for hypertension, angina, heart failure, and post-MI management.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
12 2003–2025
Interactions
0
Depletes
1 nutrient
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta-1 blocker available in immediate-release (tartrate) and extended-release (succinate) formulations. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is Tartrate: 25–200 mg twice daily; Succinate: 25–200 mg once daily (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete coq10. This profile indexes 12 sources.

What it's good for
  • Reduces all-cause mortality in heart failure (MERIT-HF)7,9
  • Effective blood pressure and heart rate control7,8
  • Reduces angina frequency and severity
  • Improves survival post-myocardial infarction6
What to watch for
  • Bradycardia
  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Severe sinus bradycardia (HR <45 bpm)
  • Second- or third-degree heart block without pacemaker7,8

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: reduces all-cause mortality in heart failure (merit-hf), effective blood pressure and heart rate control, reduces angina frequency and severity. 12 sources indexed (2003–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Selectively blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors in cardiac tissue at therapeutic doses. Reduces heart rate, myocardial contractility, and cardiac output. Decreases renin release from the kidneys. Reduces myocardial oxygen demand. At higher doses, some beta-2 blocking activity may occur.6,7

Class
Beta-1 Selective Adrenergic Blocker
Absorption
Fat-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
Tartrate: 25–200 mg twice daily; Succinate: 25–200 mg once daily (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Oral tablet (tartrate for immediate-release; succinate for extended-release)

Tartrate should be taken with or immediately following meals to enhance absorption; succinate extended-release can be taken with or without food

Depletions

What it depletes.

Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.

CoQ10

Mild

Chronic beta-blocker therapy has been associated with lower tissue CoQ10 status and reduced mitochondrial electron transport support.

Replace Coenzyme Q10Monitor Plasma CoQ10Onset Usually over months of chronic use

Full Metoprolol depletion and interaction guide →

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Bradycardia
  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Depression
  • Cold extremities
  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • Bronchospasm (at higher doses, less beta-1 selective)
  • Sexual dysfunction

Contraindications

  • Severe sinus bradycardia (HR <45 bpm)
  • Second- or third-degree heart block without pacemaker7,8
  • Decompensated heart failure requiring inotropic therapy7,8
  • Cardiogenic shock
  • Sick sinus syndrome without pacemaker
  • Severe peripheral arterial disease
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

6

Randomized controlled trials

1

Reference material

5
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Metoprolol, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Metoprolol?

Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta-1 blocker available in immediate-release (tartrate) and extended-release (succinate) formulations. The MERIT-HF trial demonstrated significant mortality reduction in heart failure with the succinate formulation. It is widely used for hypertension, angina, heart failure, and post-MI management.

What is Metoprolol used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Metoprolol include: Reduces all-cause mortality in heart failure (MERIT-HF); Effective blood pressure and heart rate control; Reduces angina frequency and severity; Improves survival post-myocardial infarction. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Metoprolol?

A typical adult dose of Metoprolol is Tartrate: 25–200 mg twice daily; Succinate: 25–200 mg once daily (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Oral tablet (tartrate for immediate-release; succinate for extended-release). These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Metoprolol?

Reported side effects include bradycardia, fatigue and tiredness, dizziness, depression, cold extremities, gastrointestinal upset. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Metoprolol?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Metoprolol in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.