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Metoprolol

Prescription

Cardioselective Beta-1 Blocker

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

3 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Selective beta-1 adrenergic antagonist that reduces heart rate, contractility, AV conduction, and myocardial oxygen demand without significant beta-2 blockade (bronchospasm or glycogenolysis inhibition) at therapeutic doses.

At a glance

Class

Cardioselective Beta-1 Blocker

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C, protect from moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and rat

Dose

0.2–1 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q8h

🐈

Cat

Atenolol is generally preferred in cats (q12h dosing)

Dose

1–5 mg/cat

Route

Frequency

q8h

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength

—

Strength

—

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C, protect from moisture

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Heart rateBlood pressureECGExercise tolerance

Educational reference only

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Verapamil

contraindicated

IV beta-blocker + IV verapamil: risk of asystole. Even oral combination requires extreme caution.

Management: NEVER give IV simultaneously. Oral combination very rarely justified.

Major — 1

Diltiazem

major

Beta-blocker + non-DHP calcium channel blocker: additive negative chronotropy and dromotropy. Risk of severe bradycardia and AV block.

Management: Avoid concurrent use or use under cardiologist supervision with ECG monitoring.

Moderate — 1

Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

moderate

Cardioselective beta-1 blocker antagonizes epinephrine's beta-1 cardiac effects. Less alpha-blockade concern than non-selective propranolol, but still reduces epinephrine's cardiac stimulatory response.

Management: In anaphylaxis, higher epinephrine doses may be needed. Glucagon as adjunct for beta-blocker-resistant shock.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Lopressor

Toprol XL

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Metoprolol?

Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta-1 blocker used in pets. Selective beta-1 adrenergic antagonist that reduces heart rate, contractility, AV conduction, and myocardial oxygen demand without significant beta-2 blockade (bronchospasm or glycogenolysis inhibition) at therapeutic doses.

›What is Metoprolol used for in pets?

Metoprolol is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and rat; Atenolol is generally preferred in cats (q12h dosing).

›What is the Metoprolol dose for dogs?

For dogs, Metoprolol is typically dosed as follows — Used for supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and rat: 0.2–1 mg/kg PO q8h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Metoprolol dose for cats?

For cats, Metoprolol is typically dosed as follows — Atenolol is generally preferred in cats (q12h dosing): 1–5 mg/cat PO q8h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Metoprolol need a prescription?

Yes. Metoprolol is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database