Metoprolol tartrate tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

They may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

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Hypertensive disease -- Persistently high systemic arterial BLOOD PRESSURE. Based on multiple readings (BLOOD PRESSURE DETERMINATION), hypertension is currently defined as when SYSTOLIC PRESSURE is consistently greater than 140 mm Hg or when DIASTOLIC PRESSURE is consistently 90 mm Hg or more.

Metoprolol tartrate is contraindicated in sinus bradycardia, heart block greater than first degree, cardiogenic shock, and overt cardiac failure (see WARNINGS).

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Sinus bradycardia -- A heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute, with its origin in the sinus node. (NCI)

Heart Block -- Impaired conduction of cardiac impulse that can occur anywhere along the conduction pathway, such as between the SINOATRIAL NODE and the right atrium (SA block) or between atria and ventricles (AV block). Heart blocks can be classified by the duration, frequency, or completeness of conduction block. Reversibility depends on the degree of structural or functional defects.

Cardiogenic shock -- Shock resulting from diminution of cardiac output in heart disease.

Heart failure -- inability of the heart to pump blood at an adequate rate to fill tissue metabolic requirements or the ability to do so only at an elevated filling pressure.

Sympathetic stimulation is a vital component supporting circulatory function in congestive heart failure, and beta blockade carries the potential hazard of further depressing myocardial contractility and precipitating more severe failure.

In hypertensive and angina patients who have congestive heart failure controlled by digitalis and diuretics, metoprolol should be administered cautiously.

Both digitalis and metoprolol slow AV conduction.

The following US Branded drugs contain Metoprolol Tartrate

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LOPRESSIDONE -- NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CORP

LOPRESSOR HCT -- NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CORP

METOPROLOL TARTRATE AND HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE -- MYLAN PHARMACEUTICALS INC

LOPRESSOR -- NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CORP