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Metoprolol
Metoprolol Tartrate · Injection, Solution
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metoprolol Tartrate | 5 mg/5mL | 866508 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Adrenergic beta-Antagonists [MoA] | MoA | All 72 members |
| beta-Adrenergic Blocker [EPC] | EPC | All 72 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 091045-001 | METOPROLOL TARTRATE | INJECTABLE | METOPROLOL TARTRATE | Prescription | AP |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 4 | Labeling | Approved | November 13, 2024 | Standard |
| Supplement | 3 | Labeling | Approved | September 15, 2021 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Labeling | Approved | August 13, 2015 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Approved | October 25, 2010 | — |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250912). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Metoprolol tartrate injection is indicated in the treatment of definite or suspected acute myocardial infarction in hemodynamically stable patients to reduce cardiovascular mortality when used in conjunction with oral metoprolol maintenance therapy. Metoprolol tartrate injection is a beta - adrenergic receptor inhibitor indicated for the treatment of definite or suspected acute myocardial infarction in hemodynamically stable patients to reduce cardiovascular mortality when used in conjunction with oral metoprolol maintenance therapy ( 1 ).
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Initiate treatment in a coronary care or similar unit immediately after the patient's hemodynamic condition has stabilized. Begin treatment in this early phase with the intravenous administration of three bolus injections of 5 mg of metoprolol tartrate injection each; give the injections at approximately 2-minute intervals. During the intravenous administration of metoprolol tartrate injection, monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and electrocardiogram. Transition to Oral Metoprolol: Following administration of metoprolol tartrate injection, transition patients to an oral formulation of metoprolol. See prescribing information for oral metoprolol for dose selection. • Initiate therapy in a coronary care or similar unit immediately after the patients hemodynamic condition has stabilized ( 2 ). • Begin treatment with an intravenous administration of three bolus injections of 5 mg each, at approximately 2-minute intervals. Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and electrocardiogram ( 2 ). • Following administration of metoprolol tartrate injection, transition the patient to an oral formulation of metoprolol ( 2 ).
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection: 5 mg metoprolol tartrate as a clear liquid supplied in 5 mL clear vials Injection: 5 mg metoprolol tartrate supplied in 5 mL vials ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to metoprolol tartrate injection and related derivatives, or to any of the excipients; hypersensitivity to other beta blockers (cross sensitivity between beta blockers can occur). Metoprolol tartrate injection is contraindicated in patients with a heart rate <45 beats/min; second-and third-degree heart block (unless a functioning pacemaker is present); significant first-degree heart block (P-R interval ≥0.24 sec); systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg; or decompensated cardiac failure. • Known hypersensitivity to product components. ( 4 ) • Severe bradycardia, greater than first degree heart block, or sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker. ( 4 ) • Cardiogenic shock or decompensated heart failure. ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Worsening cardiac failure may occur. ( 5.1 ) • Bronchospastic Disease: Avoid beta blockers. ( 5.2 ) • Pheochromocytoma: First initiate therapy with an alpha blocker. ( 5.3 ) • May aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Bradycardia Bradycardia, including sinus pause, heart block, and cardiac arrest have occurred with the use of metoprolol tartrate injection. Patients with first-degree atrioventricular block, sinus node dysfunction, or conduction disorders may be at increased risk. Monitor heart rate and rhythm in patients receiving metoprolol tartrate injection. If severe bradycardia develops, reduce or stop metoprolol tartrate injection. 5.2 Heart Failure Worsening cardiac failure may occur during metoprolol use. If such symptoms occur, increase diuretics and restore clinical stability before administering the next dose of metoprolol [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )]. Such episodes do not preclude subsequent successful titration of oral metoprolol. 5.3 Bronchospastic Disease PATIENTS WITH BRONCHOSPASTIC DISEASES, IN GENERAL, SHOULD NOT RECEIVE BETA-BLOCKERS because they can exacerbate bronchospasm. Because of its relative beta 1 cardio-selectivity, however, metoprolol may be used in patients with bronchospastic disease for initial treatment of myocardial infarction. Bronchodilators, including beta 2 -agonists, should be readily available or administered concomitantly [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )]. 5.4 Pheochromocytoma If metoprolol tartrate is used in the setting of pheochromocytoma, it should be given in combination with an alpha blocker, and only after the alpha blocker has been initiated. Administration of beta-blockers alone in the setting of pheochromocytoma has been associated with a paradoxical increase in blood pressure due to the attenuation of beta-mediated vasodilatation in skeletal muscle. 5.5 Hypoglycemia Beta‐blockers may prevent early warning signs of hypoglycemia, such as tachycardia, and increase the risk for severe or prolonged hypoglycemia at any time during treatment, especially in patients with diabetes mellitus or children and patients who are fasting (i.e., surgery, not eating regularly, or are vomiting). If severe hypoglycemia occurs, patients should be instructed to seek emergency treatment. 5.6 Peripheral Vascular Disease Beta-blockers can precipitate or aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency in patients with peripheral vascular disease.
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling: • Worsening angina or myocardial infarction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 )] • Worsening heart failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 )] • Worsening AV block [see Contraindications ( 4 )] • Most common adverse reactions: tiredness, dizziness, shortness of breath, bradycardia, hypotension, pruritus. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The adverse reaction information from clinical trials does, however, provide a basis for identifying the adverse events that appear to be related to drug use and for approximating rates. Myocardial Infarction These adverse reactions were reported from treatment regimens where intravenous metoprolol tartrate injection was administered, when tolerated. Central Nervous System: Tiredness has been reported in about 1 of 100 patients. Vertigo, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, headache, dizziness, visual disturbances, confusion, and reduced libido have also been reported, but a drug relationship is not clear. Cardiovascular: In a randomized comparison of metoprolol tartrate injection and placebo, the following adverse reactions were reported: Metoprolol Tartrate Placebo Hypotension (systolic BP <90 mmHg) 27.4% 23.2% Bradycardia (heart rate <40 beats/min) 15.9% 6.7% Second- or third-degree heart block 4.7% 4.7% First-degree heart block (P-R ≥0.26 sec) 5.3% 1.9% Heart failure 27.5% 29.6% Respiratory: Dyspnea of pulmonary origin has been reported in fewer than 1 of 100 patients. Gastrointestinal: Nausea and abdominal pain have been reported in fewer than 1 of 100 patients. Miscellaneous: Unstable diabetes and claudication have been reported. 6.2 Post-Marketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of metoprolol. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiovascular: Cold extremities, arterial insufficiency (usually of the Raynaud type), palpitations, peripheral edema, syncope, and hypotension. Respiratory: Wheezing (bronchospasm), dyspnea. Central Nervous System: Confusion, short-term memory loss, headache, nightmares, insomnia, nervousness, hallucinations. Gastrointestinal: Nausea, dry mouth, constipation, flatulence, heartburn, hepatitis, vomiting. Hypersensitive Reactions: Pruritus. Miscellaneous: Musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, blurred vision, decreased libido, tinnitus, reversible alopecia, agranulocytosis, dry eyes, worsening of psoriasis, Peyronie's disease, photosensitivity.
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Catecholamine-depleting drugs may have an additive effect when given with beta-blocking agents. ( 7.1 ) • Patients may be unresponsive to the usual doses of epinephrine used to treat allergic reaction. ( 7.2 ) • CYP2D6 Inhibitors are likely to increase metoprolol concentration. ( 7.3 ) • Concomitant use of glycosides, clonidine, and diltiazem and verapamil with beta-blockers can increase the risk of bradycardia. ( 7.4 ) • Beta-blockers including metoprolol, may exacerbate the rebound hypertension that can follow the withdrawal of clonidine. ( 7.4 ) 7.1 Catecholamine Depleting Drugs and Monoamine Oxidate (MAO) Inhibitors Catecholamine depleting drugs (e.g., reserpine) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors) may have an additive effect when given with beta-blocking agents. Observe patients treated with metoprolol plus a catecholamine depletor for evidence of hypotension or marked bradycardia, which may produce vertigo, syncope, or postural hypotension. 7.2 Epinephrine While taking beta-blockers, patients with a history of severe anaphylactic reactions to a variety of allergens may be more reactive to repeated challenge and may be unresponsive to the usual doses of epinephrine used to treat an allergic reaction. 7.3 CYP2D6 Inhibitors Drugs that are strong inhibitors of CYP2D6, such as quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and propafenone, were shown to double metoprolol concentrations. While there is no information about moderate or weak inhibitors, these too are likely to increase metoprolol concentration. Increases in plasma concentration decrease the cardioselectivity of metoprolol [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Monitor patients closely, when the combination cannot be avoided. 7.4 Digitalis, Clonidine, and Calcium Channel Blockers and Other Drugs that Decrease Heart Rate Digitalis glycosides, clonidine, diltiazem and verapamil slow atrioventricular conduction and decrease heart rate. Concomitant administration of beta-blockers with these and other drugs known to decrease heart rate such as sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators (e.g. fingolimod) may result in additive heart rate lowering effects. If clonidine and metoprolol are coadministered, withdraw the metoprolol several days before the gradual withdrawal of clonidine because beta-blockers may exacerbate the rebound hypertension that can follow the withdrawal of clonidine. If replacing clonidine by beta-blocker therapy, delay the introduction of beta-blockers for several days after clonidine administration has stopped. 7.5 Drugs that Decrease Blood Pressure Concomitant administration of beta-blockers with other drugs known to decrease blood pressure may result in an enhanced hypotensive effect.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Hepatic Impairment: Consider initiating metoprolol tartrate therapy at low doses while monitoring closely for adverse events. ( 8.6 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published observational studies have not demonstrated an association of adverse developmental outcomes with maternal use of metoprolol during pregnancy ( see Data ). Untreated hypertension and heart failure during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes for the mother and the fetus (see Clinical Considerations ). In animal reproduction studies, metoprolol has been shown to increase post-implantation loss and decrease neonatal survival in rats at oral dosages of 500 mg/kg/day, approximately 24 times the daily dose of 200 mg in a 60-kg patient on a mg/m 2 basis. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical consideration Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Hypertension in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature delivery, and delivery complications (e.g., need for cesarean section, and post-partum hemorrhage). Hypertension increases the fetal risk for intrauterine growth restriction and intrauterine death. Pregnant women with hypertension should be carefully monitored and managed accordingly. Stroke volume and heart rate increase during pregnancy, increasing cardiac output, especially during the first trimester. There is a risk for preterm birth with pregnant women with chronic heart failure in 3 rd trimester of pregnancy. Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions Metoprolol crosses the placenta. Neonates born to mothers who are receiving metoprolol during pregnancy, may be at risk for hypotension, hypoglycemia, bradycardia, and respiratory depression. Observe neonates for symptoms of hypotension, bradycardia, hypoglycemia and respiratory depression and manage accordingly. Data Human Data Data from published observational studies did not demonstrate an association of major congenital malformations and use of metoprolol in pregnancy. The published literature has reported inconsistent findings of intrauterine growth retardation, preterm birth and perinatal mortality with maternal use of metoprolol during pregnancy; however, these studies have methodological limitations hindering interpretation. Methodological limitations include retrospective design, concomitant use of other medications, and other unadjusted confounders that may account for the study findings including the underlying disease in the mother. These observational studies cannot definitely establish or exclude any drug-associated risk during pregnancy. Animal Data Metoprolol has been shown to increase post-implantation loss and decrease neonatal survival in rats at oral dosages of 500 mg/kg/day, i.e. 24 times, on a mg/m 2 basis, the daily dose of 200 mg in a 60-kg patient. No fetal abnormalities were observed when pregnant rats received metoprolol orally up to a dose of 200 mg/kg/day, i.e. 10 times, the daily dose of 200 mg in a 60-kg patient. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Limited available data from published literature report that metoprolol is present in human milk. The estimated daily infant dose of metoprolol received from breastmilk range from 0.05 mg to less than 1 mg. The estimated relative infant dosage was 0.5% to 2% of the mother's weight-adjusted dosage (see Data ). No adverse reactions of metoprolol on the breastfed infant have been identified. There is no information regarding the effects of metoprolol on milk production. Clinical consideration Monitoring for adverse reactions For a lactating woman who is a slow metabolizer of metoprolol, monitor the breastfed i …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Metoprolol is a beta 1 -selective (cardioselective) adrenergic receptor blocking agent. This preferential effect is not absolute, however, and at higher plasma concentrations, metoprolol also inhibits beta 2 -adrenoreceptors, chiefly located in the bronchial and vascular musculature. Metoprolol has no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, and membrane-stabilizing activity is detectable only at plasma concentrations much greater than required for beta-blockade. Animal and human experiments indicate that metoprolol slows the sinus rate and decreases AV nodal conduction. The relative beta 1 -selectivity of metoprolol has been confirmed by the following: (1) In normal subjects, metoprolol is unable to reverse the beta 2 -mediated vasodilating effects of epinephrine. This contrasts with the effect of nonselective beta-blockers, which completely reverse the vasodilating effects of epinephrine. (2) In asthmatic patients, metoprolol reduces FEV1 and FVC significantly less than a nonselective beta-blocker, propranolol, at equivalent beta 1 -receptor blocking doses. The precise mechanism of action of metoprolol tartrate injection in patients with suspected or definite myocardial infarction is not known.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Metoprolol Tartrate Injection, USP, is a selective beta 1 -adrenoreceptor blocking agent, available in 5-mL vials for intravenous administration. Each vial contains a sterile solution of metoprolol tartrate USP, 5 mg, and sodium chloride USP, 45 mg, and water for injection USP. Metoprolol tartrate USP is (±)-1-(Isopropylamino)-3-[p-(2- methoxyethyl)phenoxy]-2-propanol L-(+)-tartrate (2:1) salt, and its structural formula is: Metoprolol tartrate USP is a white, practically odorless, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 684.82. It is very soluble in water; freely soluble in methylene chloride, in chloroform, and in alcohol; slightly soluble in acetone; and insoluble in ether. metop-struc-01.jpg
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Signs and Symptoms - Overdosage of metoprolol may lead to severe bradycardia, hypotension, and cardiogenic shock. Clinical presentation can also include: atrioventricular block, heart failure, bronchospasm, hypoxia, impairment of consciousness/coma, nausea and vomiting. Treatment – Consider treating the patient with intensive care. Patients with myocardial infarction or heart failure may be prone to significant hemodynamic instability. Beta-blocker overdose may result in significant resistance to resuscitation with adrenergic agents, including beta-agonists. On the basis of the pharmacologic actions of metoprolol, employ the following measures. Hemodialysis is unlikely to make a useful contribution to metoprolol elimination [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Bradycardia: Evaluate the need for atropine, adrenergic-stimulating drugs or pacemaker to treat bradycardia and conduction disorders. Hypotension: Treat underlying bradycardia. Consider intravenous vasopressor infusion, such as dopamine or norepinephrine. Heart failure and shock: May be treated when appropriate with suitable volume expansion, injection of glucagon (if necessary, followed by an intravenous infusion of glucagon), intravenous administration of adrenergic drugs such as dobutamine, with α1 receptor agonistic drugs added in presence of vasodilation. Bronchospasm: Can usually be reversed by bronchodilators.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Metoprolol Tartrate Injection, USP is available as 5 mL vials, each containing 5 mg of metoprolol tartrate: Product Code Unit of Sale Strength Each 606005 NDC 63323-660-05 Unit of 10 5 mg/5 mL (1 mg/mL) NDC 63323-660-01 5 mL Single-Dose Vial RF606005 NDC 65219-665-05 Unit of 10 5 mg/5 mL (1 mg/mL) NDC 65219-665-01 5 mL Single-Dose Vial This product is RFID-enabled. Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Retain in carton until time of use. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: METOPROLOL TARTRATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63323-660-05 | 63323-660 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | 10 VIAL in 1 TRAY (63323-660-05) / 5 mL in 1 VIAL (63323-660-01) | October 28, 2010 |
| 65219-665-05 | 65219-665 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | 10 VIAL in 1 TRAY (65219-665-05) / 5 mL in 1 VIAL (65219-665-01) | December 13, 2024 |
| 63323-660 | 63323-660 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | — | October 28, 2010 |
| 65219-665 | 65219-665 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | — | December 13, 2024 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.