Formulation in Pharmacy Practice   2nd Edition

METOPROLOL
 
 
Metoprolol tartrate is very soluble in water and appears to be very stable in aqueous solution.1,2   Peterson et al1 investigated the stability of metoprolol oral liquid but this was formulated with tragacanth and chloroform water.  Metoprolol 10mg per mL prepared from tablets in a 1:1 mixture of Ora-Sweet and Ora-Plus, or a 1:1 mixture of Ora-Sweet SF and Ora-Plus, or Cherry Syrup was stable for up to 60 days at 5°C or 25°C, protected from light.2   The final pH of these formulations ranged from 3.4 - 5.4.1,2  The following formula is based on a review of the literature and is suggested if the commercial bases are not available.

Formula

Metoprolol Tartrate Oral Liquid
 
Metoprolol tablets (not modified release) qs   
Glycerol 40  mL
Parabens 0.1  %
Water to   100  mL
 
Expiry:  30 days (suggested).
 
Storage:  Refrigerate.  Protect from light.
 
Shake before administration

 
NOTE
  1. Methylcellulose could be added as a suspending agent but is not necessary as the drug should be in solution.  The glycerol content can be increased, or syrup added, to increase viscosity.

REFERENCES
  1. Peterson G.M., Meaney M.F., Reid C.A., Taylor G.R.   Stability of extemporaneously prepared mixtures of metoprolol and spironolactone.  Aust J Hosp Pharm 1989; 19 (6): 344-46.
  2. Allen L.V., Erickson M.A.  Stability of labetalol hydrochloride, metoprolol tartrate, verapamil hydrochloride and spironolactone with hydrochlorothiazide in extemporaneously compounded oral liquids. Am J Health-Syst Pharm 1996; 53: 2304-9.

 
Formulation in Pharmacy Practice
2nd Edition