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These studies suggest metoprolol has an elimination half-life of approximately 3 hours.
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Metoprolol is a selective β1-receptor antagonist commonly used to treat conditions such as hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias. The extended-release (ER) formulation of metoprolol is designed to provide a sustained therapeutic effect, improving patient compliance by reducing the frequency of dosing.
Metoprolol is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration, with about 40% of the dose reaching systemic circulation due to first-pass metabolism. The drug is extensively distributed to extravascular tissues, with a distribution half-life of approximately 12 minutes.
The elimination half-life of metoprolol varies depending on the formulation and patient population. For the immediate-release formulation, the elimination half-life is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours . However, the extended-release formulation is designed to prolong the drug's action, resulting in a longer effective half-life. Studies indicate that the half-life of metoprolol ER can range from 4 to 6 hours.
Several factors can influence the half-life of metoprolol. For instance, in patients with hepatic cirrhosis, the elimination half-life is significantly prolonged, averaging around 7.2 hours compared to 4.2 hours in healthy individuals. Additionally, the combination of metoprolol with other medications, such as ranitidine, can extend its half-life from 3-9 hours to approximately 6 hours.
The extended-release formulation of metoprolol has been shown to be effective in providing 24-hour coverage, which is crucial for managing conditions like hypertension and angina. For example, a study comparing once-daily metoprolol ER with multiple daily doses of regular metoprolol found that the ER formulation was highly effective in suppressing daily and exercise-induced ischemia.
There is considerable variability in plasma levels of metoprolol among different patient populations. For instance, geriatric patients exhibit a wide range of peak plasma concentrations, which can be attributed to factors such as body weight, absorption rates, and first-pass metabolism.
Metoprolol ER is a widely used β1-receptor antagonist with a half-life ranging from 4 to 6 hours, depending on various factors such as patient health and concurrent medications. Its extended-release formulation ensures sustained therapeutic effects, improving patient compliance and efficacy in managing cardiovascular conditions. Understanding the pharmacokinetics and factors influencing the half-life of metoprolol ER is essential for optimizing its clinical use.
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