Small molecule
PubChem CID 4171
Metoprolol
Lopressor
- Mechanism of action
- Beta-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist
- In plain language
- Blocks beta-1 receptors in the heart to slow the heartbeat and reduce how hard it has to work.
- How it works
- Metoprolol is a beta1-selective adrenergic receptor antagonist that reduces heart rate and slows atrioventricular nodal conduction by competitively blocking catecholamine binding at beta1 receptors, primarily located in cardiac tissue. Its cardioselectivity is relative rather than absolute and diminishes at higher plasma concentrations, where beta2-receptor inhibition becomes more significant. The drug has no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. Net effects include decreased myocardial oxygen demand, lowered blood pressure, and reduced cardiac workload.
- Therapeutic applications
- FDA-indicated for hypertension, to lower blood pressure and reduce risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events; for long-term management of angina pectoris, to reduce anginal attacks and improve exercise tolerance; and for treatment of hemodynamically stable patients with definite or suspected acute myocardial infarction, to reduce cardiovascular mortality.
- Class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- Cardiovascular
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