Vegan Heart Medications: Beta-blockers

Approximately 30 million adults in the United States utilize beta-blockers, widely prescribed medications. February, designated as American Heart Month, underscores the significance of beta-blockers as a commonly prescribed drug class. These medications are instrumental in the management of heart conditions, providing essential support for individuals striving to improve heart health.

What are beta-blockers?

Beta-blockers are medications that slow down the heart and reduce its pumping force. There are two types: cardio-selective, which specifically target the heart, and non-selective. The selective ones focus on a receptor in the heart, making it beat less forcefully and helping to lower blood pressure.

What are beta-blockers used for?

Due to the widespread distribution of beta-receptors in various body locations, beta-blockers have the capacity to address a broad spectrum of issues and medical conditions including:

Tachycardia
Hypertension
Myocardial infarction
Congestive heart failure
Cardiac arrhythmias
Coronary artery disease
Hyperthyroidism
Glaucoma
Migraine prophylaxis

What are the side effects of beta-blockers?

Common side effects of beta-blockers include slow heart rate, low blood pressure, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, constipation, sexual and erectile dysfunction. Some people with asthma may experience breathing difficulties, and those with Raynaud Syndrome might have worsened symptoms. Beta-blockers can also raise blood sugar levels and hide signs of low blood sugar. There's a potential risk of heart block, especially in people with existing heart issues.

What are examples of beta-blockers?

The top 5 beta-blockers prescribed in 2023 included:

Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
Carvedilol (Coreg)
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Propranolol (Inderal LA)

According to Definitive Healthcare Atlas Prescription Claims dataset, 36.9% of all dispensed beta- blocker prescriptions, metoprolol succinate stands out as the most commonly prescribed medication in this category.

What is the difference between metoprolol succinate and metoprolol tartrate?

Although similar in name, there are some key differences between metoprolol succinate and metoprolol tartrate:

Generic Name	Metoprolol succinate	Metoprolol tartrate
Brand Name	Toprol XL	Lopressor
Available Dosage	25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg	25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg
Dosage Forms	Tablets, capsules	Tablets
Indications	Hypertension, angina pectoris, heart failure	Hypertension, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction
Duration of action	Long-acting	Short-acting
How to take	Once a day with or without food	Two times a day with food
Can tablet be cut in half?	No	Yes

Is there a vegan metoprolol?

Our team has identified ONE animal-free metoprolol tartrate tablet manufactured by Rising Pharma, whereas we've discovered SEVEN animal-free metoprolol succinate tablets outlined in the table below:

Drug Name	Manufacturer	Animal-Free?
Metoprolol Succinate Film Coated Tablet, Extended Release	Ascend	Yes
Metoprolol Succinate Tablet, Extended Release	Ingenus	Yes
Metoprolol Succinate Tablet, Extended Release	Slate Run	Yes
Metoprolol Succinate Tablet, Extended Release	AvKare	Yes
Metoprolol Succinate Film Coated Tablet, Extended Release	Camber	Yes
Metoprolol Succinate Tablet, Extended Release	Cipla	Yes
Metoprolol Succinate Tablet, Extended Release	Teva	Unknown

Conclusion

In conclusion, beta-blockers are vital medications for managing heart conditions, benefiting around 30 million adults in the US. Recognizing their importance during American Heart Month is crucial. Understanding their uses, side effects, and differences between types is key for informed decision-making. Efforts to provide animal-free options show progress in catering to diverse needs for specific patient populations (e.g. vegans, religious beliefs, Alpha-gal Syndrome). By staying informed, we can work towards better heart health outcomes.

Co-author: Ngan (Anna) Nguyen

Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on VeganMed is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.

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