How long does Metoprolol stay in your system after you stop taking it?

Beta-blockers are the among the drugs primarily used for treating various cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, angina, heart failure and Arrhythmias. Available in different formulations, the drug is a preferred line of treatment due to its effectiveness. Following sub-sections offer a detailed look at the medication including answers to a frequently asked question – how long does Metoprolol stay in your system after you stop taking it? Information below also gives insights about the onset of action and the half-life of the drug.

Overview of Metoprolol

Metoprolol is available in different forms for oral administration and also as injections, and the commonly available forms are as given below:

Metoprolol Tartrate: This immediate-release formulation of metoprolol is available as oral tablets in various strengths – 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Metoprolol tartrate is typically taken multiple times a day, with or without food, as prescribed.

Metoprolol Succinate: This extended-release formulation of metoprolol is available as oral tablets in different strengths – 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg. Metoprolol succinate is designed to release the medication slowly over a 24-hour period, allowing for once-daily dosing and is usually taken with food.

Metoprolol Injection: Metoprolol is also available as an injectable form, primarily used in hospital settings or emergency situations to rapidly control certain cardiovascular conditions, such as atrial fibrillation or high blood pressure.

Metoprolol is a prescription medication, and the specific form and dosage prescribed will depend on the condition being treated, individual patient factors, and the assessment of the healthcare provider.

Conditions treated by metoprolol

#1 Hypertension: Metoprolol is commonly prescribed to help lower blood pressure. By blocking the effects of adrenaline on the beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels, metoprolol reduces the heart rate and relaxes blood vessels, resulting in a decrease in blood pressure.

#2 Angina: Metoprolol is used for the management of angina pectoris, a condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. By reducing heart rate and blood pressure, metoprolol helps to relieve the workload on the heart and improve blood flow to the heart muscles, thereby reducing angina symptoms.

#3 Arrhythmias: Metoprolol is also used to control certain abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. It helps to stabilize the heart’s electrical activity and restore a regular heart rhythm.

#4 Heart Failure: In certain types of heart failure, metoprolol may be used to improve symptoms, reduce hospitalizations, and increase survival rates. It works by reducing the workload on the heart and improving the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.

Mechanism of action of Metoprolol

The mechanism of action of metoprolol involves its selective blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors in the body. It primarily acts on beta-1 adrenergic receptors found in the heart. The various actions are explained in brief below.

• Metoprolol selectively blocks the beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. By doing so, it competitively inhibits the binding of adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline to these receptors. This blockade reduces the effects of these stress hormones on the heart.
• By blocking beta-1 receptors, metoprolol slows down the heart rate. This effect is particularly beneficial in conditions where a high heart rate needs to be controlled, such as hypertension, angina, or certain arrhythmias.
• Metoprolol reduces the force of contraction of the heart muscle, leading to a decrease in cardiac output. This can help in conditions where the heart is working too hard or inefficiently, such as in heart failure.
• Metoprolol brings about the dilation of blood vessels, primarily through its action on beta-2 receptors present in the blood vessels. This results in a reduction of peripheral vascular resistance, which contributes to the lowering of blood pressure.

Metoprolol reduces the workload on the heart, lowers blood pressure, and controls certain abnormal heart rhythms. However, the mechanism of action may vary slightly depending on the specific subtype of beta-receptors it acts upon, the dose, and the individual patient’s response to the medication.

Onset of action and half-life of Metoprolol?

The onset of action and half-life of metoprolol varies depending on the specific formulation and individual factors. A broad reference of the time is outlined below for respective formulations:

Metoprolol Tartrate

• The onset of action for metoprolol tartrate is relatively rapid, typically within 1 to 2 hours after oral administration.
• The half-life of metoprolol tartrate is relatively short, averaging around 3 to 7 hours. This means that it takes approximately 3 to 7 hours for half of the medication to be eliminated from the body.

Metoprolol Succinate

• The onset of action for metoprolol succinate is slower compared to metoprolol tartrate. It may take a few hours or up to a week to reach its full therapeutic effect.
• The half-life of metoprolol succinate is longer, averaging around 3 to 14 hours. This means that it takes approximately 3 to 14 hours for half of the medication to be eliminated from the body.

These values are a broad reference and will vary among individuals depending on factors such as age, liver function, kidney function, and other individual characteristics that influence the metabolism and elimination of metoprolol. The dosing frequency and intake schedule are based on the individual’s condition and response to treatment.

How long does Metoprolol stay in your system after you stop taking it?

The time it takes for metoprolol to completely leave the system after discontinuation can vary among individuals and depends on factors such as the specific formulation of metoprolol, dosage, individual metabolism, and other individual factors. Typically, it takes about 5 to 6 half-lives for a medication to be eliminated from the body. The immediate release formulation – metoprolol tartrate – with an average half-life of around 3 to 7 hours, takes approximately 15 to 35 hours for the medication to be fully cleared. The extended release formulation – metoprolol succinate – with an average half-life of around 3 to 14 hours, takes approximately 15 to 70 hours for the medication to be fully eliminated from the system.

Traces of the medication may still be detected in the body for a short time after the last dose, but the therapeutic effects would have significantly diminished. The time taken for clearance may be longer in individuals with impaired liver or kidney functions, as these organs play a role in metabolizing and eliminating medications from the body.

Jessica Martinez

Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.