What are Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg tablets used for?
In the pharmaceutical industry, Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg is a classic selective beta-blocker targeting the -adrenergic receptors. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I classify this as an “immediate-release” cardioselective agent. While its brother, Metoprolol Succinate, is designed for 24-hour extended release, the Tartrate version is typically administered twice daily for rapid and precise control of heart rate and blood pressure.
Primary Clinical Uses
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Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Used to lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions.
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Angina Pectoris: Used for the long-term prophylaxis of chest pain by reducing the oxygen demand of the heart.
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Post-Myocardial Infarction: Administered to stable patients after a heart attack to reduce cardiovascular mortality.
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Arrhythmias: Effective in controlling ventricular rate in patients with atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia.
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Migraine Prophylaxis (Off-label): Frequently prescribed to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
Mechanism of Action: Selectivity
Metoprolol Tartrate works by competing with adrenergic neurotransmitters (like adrenaline) for binding sites.
Selective Blockade: At standard doses (like 50 mg), it preferentially blocks receptors located chiefly in the heart muscle.
Negative Inotropic & Chronotropic Effects: It decreases the heart rate (chronotropic) and the force of contraction (inotropic).
Cardiac Output: By slowing the heart and reducing the force, it lowers cardiac output and blood pressure, giving the heart a “rest.”
Renin Inhibition: It also reduces the release of renin from the kidneys, further interfering with the blood-pressure-raising RAAS pathway.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Formulation & Export
From a production and global trade standpoint, Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg is a high-volume cardiovascular staple:
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Tartrate vs. Succinate (The USP): On your digital platforms, it is vital to distinguish between the two. Tartrate is Immediate Release (IR), while Succinate is Extended Release (ER/XL). B2B buyers often look for Tartrate for acute hospital settings or specific twice-a-day titration needs.
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Scored Tablets: Most 50 mg tablets are produced with a break-line (score). As a WHO-GMP manufacturer, we ensure “Content Uniformity” across the score line, allowing patients to accurately split the tablet into two 25 mg doses if prescribed.
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Stability & Sensitivity: Metoprolol is sensitive to light and moisture. We utilize Alu-Alu or high-barrier PVC/PVDC blister packaging to ensure a 36-month shelf life for export to Zone IVb regions.
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Dossier Support: Our Mumbai facility provides full CTD/eCTD Dossiers and bioequivalence data against the innovator (Lopressor) to support your firm’s international registrations.