If you’re looking at treatment options for certain heart conditions, you may want to learn more about metoprolol (Toprol XL, Lopressor, Kapspargo Sprinkle).

Metoprolol is a generic prescription drug that comes in two versions: metoprolol tartrate, which releases immediately when taken, and metoprolol succinate, which releases slowly in the body. The drug is used to:

  • prevent angina (chest pain) in adults
  • treat high blood pressure in adults and some children
  • treat heart failure in adults (metoprolol succinate only)
  • prevent another heart attack in adults with a history of heart attacks who are in stable condition (metoprolol tartrate only)

Metoprolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-blockers. The drug’s active ingredient is metoprolol (an active ingredient is what makes a drug work). Metoprolol succinate comes as a tablet and a capsule. Metoprolol tartrate comes as a tablet and an injection, though the injection is generally only used in emergencies in medical facilities.

Keep reading for details on metoprolol and cost, and how to save money on prescriptions.

Note: For more details on metoprolol tablets, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for metoprolol can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.

To find out how much you’ll pay for metoprolol, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover metoprolol. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss metoprolol in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If metoprolol requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Be sure to ask your insurance company whether metoprolol requires prior authorization.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about metoprolol and cost.

How much do metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate cost?

It could vary for each version of metoprolol.

Metoprolol comes in two versions: metoprolol tartrate, which releases immediately when taken, and metoprolol succinate, which releases slowly in the body.

The cost depends on the pharmacy you use, whether you have insurance, and the condition you’re using metoprolol to treat. If you have insurance, the cost may also depend on whether your insurance covers the kind of metoprolol your doctor prescribes.

To learn more about the differences between metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate, see this article.

What is metoprolol’s cost without insurance, including for the 50-mg tablets?

The cost will depend on which pharmacy you use. The generic version of metoprolol usually won’t be very expensive, regardless of your prescribed dose.

If you don’t have insurance, it may be worthwhile to look for discounts on out-of-pocket costs at different pharmacies. With insurance, prices for the various strengths of this drug likely won’t be very different.

For a few resources that may help you save on the price of metoprolol, even without insurance, see the “Can I get help paying for metoprolol?” section below

Metoprolol is a generic drug. This means it’s an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. A generic is considered to be just as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics generally cost less than brand-name drugs.

Metoprolol comes in brand-name versions called Toprol XL, Lopressor, and Kapspargo. To find out how the costs of the brand name drugs and generic metoprolol compare, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If you’ve been prescribed metoprolol and you’re interested in using Toprol XL, Lopressor, or Kapspargo instead, talk with your doctor. They may prefer that you take one version instead of the other. In addition, you’ll need to check with your insurance provider. This is because it may only cover one drug or the other.

Why is there such a cost difference between brand-name drugs and generics?

Years of research and testing are needed to ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive.

The drugmaker of a brand-name drug can sell the drug for up to 20 years. After that, other drugmakers can create generic versions. This competition in the market can lead to lower costs for generics. And because generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower generic costs.

If you take metoprolol long term, you may be able to lower your costs in the following ways:

Look into getting a 90-day supply of your medication. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of metoprolol if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of metoprolol. If you’re interested in getting a 90-day supply of this drug, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for metoprolol. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need help covering the cost of metoprolol or understanding your insurance, check out these resources:

On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you still have questions about the cost of metoprolol, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you’ll pay for this drug. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for metoprolol.

Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:

  • Are there other drugs that treat heart failure that are less expensive?
  • How do I know if I am eligible for a cost-saving program for metoprolol?
  • Will my dosage of metoprolol affect how much I pay for my prescription?
  • If I can’t afford metoprolol, what are my other medication options?

To learn more about metoprolol, see these articles:

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.