Metoprolol tartrate and hydrochlorothiazide

Lopressor HCT

Mechanism of action: Beta-1 receptor antagonist + thiazide diuretic (fixed-dose combination)
In plain language: Combines two blood pressure medicines in one tablet: metoprolol, which blocks a stress hormone receptor to slow the heart and ease its workload, and hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that helps the kidneys remove extra salt and water from the blood.
How it works: LOPRESSOR HCT combines metoprolol tartrate, a beta-1-selective adrenergic receptor blocker, and hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. Per the FDA label, metoprolol preferentially blocks beta-1 receptors -- concentrated in cardiac tissue -- reducing heart rate, cardiac output, and sympathetic outflow, though at higher plasma concentrations it also inhibits beta-2 receptors in bronchial and vascular muscle. Hydrochlorothiazide acts independently on the kidney's distal tubule to increase excretion of sodium, chloride, and water. The label notes the precise antihypertensive mechanism of thiazide diuretics themselves is not fully established, but the two effects are additive.
Therapeutic applications: LOPRESSOR HCT is FDA-indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions.
Class: Fixed-dose combination
Therapeutic area: Cardiovascular
Source: FDA label (DailyMed) ↗

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