86. A prescription is received for Toprol XL 25 mg tablets 1 PO q.d. x 30 days. The pharmacy should dispense:

Answer: B

Explanation:

The pharmacy should dispense metoprolol succinate 25 mg tablets #30.

Toprol XL is the brand name for metoprolol succinate, which is an extended-release formulation. The prescription specifies a daily dose of 25 mg, and therefore, the pharmacy should dispense 30 tablets of metoprolol succinate 25 mg to cover the 30-day supply.

A) metoprolol tartrate 25 mg tablets #30

Metoprolol tartrate is not the correct formulation for this prescription. While it is a form of metoprolol, it is an immediate-release version that is not equivalent to Toprol XL, which is an extended-release formulation. Therefore, dispensing this option would not meet the prescription's requirements.

B) metoprolol succinate 25 mg tablets #30

This is the correct choice as it accurately matches both the active ingredient and the dosage form of Toprol XL, which is the extended-release version of metoprolol. Dispensing 30 tablets of metoprolol succinate 25 mg aligns perfectly with the prescription instructions.

C) metoprolol tartrate 50 mg tablets #60

This option is incorrect as it provides the wrong formulation and dosage. Metoprolol tartrate is not appropriate for a prescription intended for Toprol XL, and the quantity of 60 tablets far exceeds what is prescribed for 30 days at a 25 mg daily dose.

D) metoprolol succinate 50 mg tablets #60

While this option uses the correct extended-release formulation, it incorrectly doubles the dosage per tablet. The prescription calls for a 25 mg daily dose, so dispensing 50 mg tablets would not adhere to the prescribed amount and would lead to an overdose.

Conclusion

Metoprolol succinate 25 mg tablets #30 is the only option that accurately reflects the prescribed medication and dosage. All other options either provide the incorrect formulation or an incorrect dosage, thus failing to meet the prescription requirements. This underscores the importance of matching both the drug type and the dosage in pharmaceutical dispensing.