Can Toprol XL (Metoprolol Succinate ER) Be Cut In Half?

Answer

Thanks for contacting us! Yes, Toprol XL (metoprolol succinate extended-release) can be cut or split in half. In fact, the tablets have a 'score' line, and the drug is one of the few extended-release medications that are able to be cut safely due to how the extended-release mechanism of metoprolol succinate works.

Metoprolol ER Release Mechanism

For most extended-release medications, altering the tablet/capsule will destroy the extended-release mechanism, causing the entire dose to be delivered at once, which can increase the risk of overdose and side effects. This is not the case for metoprolol ER (generic for Toprol-XL), however.

Each Metoprolol ER tablet contains a large number of tiny controlled release pellets, which are evenly dispersed throughout the tablet. Each pellet acts as a separate drug delivery unit, which allows the tablet to be cut in half as the pellets will be unaffected with one cut.

The diagram below shows the inside of metoprolol ER tablets, showing the pellets that each contain the active ingredient (metoprolol):

It is important to note however that split tablet should be swallowed whole, without chewing or crushing. Crushing or chewing the tablets will destroy the extended-release properties of the drug.

Final Words

Thanks again for reaching out to us! Please be sure to always ask your doctor or pharmacist before cutting or splitting tablets. Metoprolol is one of the few exceptions where it's okay to split an extended-release drug.