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Compare Betapace vs. Lopressor

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Sotalol (Betapace) and metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) are both beta blockers, but they are used to treat different conditions. Sotalol is a non-selective beta blocker and potassium channel blocker, primarily used to treat and prevent certain heart rhythm problems like atrial fibrillation. It requires close monitoring in a hospital when you first start taking it. Metoprolol tartrate, on the other hand, is a selective beta blocker used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, and to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. You typically take metoprolol tartrate with food, and it is less likely to cause breathing problems compared to sotalol. Both medications are available in generic forms, but sotalol also comes in an oral liquid form for those who have trouble swallowing tablets. While both can cause dizziness and tiredness, sotalol has a higher risk of causing serious heart rhythm issues and requires more frequent monitoring.

  • Sotalol (Betapace)
    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
  • Sotalol (Betapace)
    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)

  • Summary of Betapace vs. Lopressor

    Summary for Antiarrhythmic
    Prescription only

    Sotalol (Betapace) is used to treat and prevent certain types of heart rate and heart rhythm problems (like atrial fibrillation or Afib). It's taken by mouth, typically twice a day. Usually, you need to start this medication in the hospital and stay there for at least 3 days so that the healthcare team can monitor your heart rhythm and check for any serious side effects. Sotalol (Betapace) can interact with several medications, including certain blood pressure medications and antacids. Sotalol is available both generic and brand name medications.

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure. It's also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. This medication is taken by mouth, typically twice daily, though your dosage depends on what condition you have. Some side effects of metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) include dizziness or tiredness. Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is available as a brand name and generic tablet.

  • Indications of Betapace vs. Lopressor

    Indications for
    •Treatment of ventricular arrhythmias
    •Prevention of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in people who've experienced these problems before
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chest pain (angina)
    •Lower risk of death after heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Betapace vs. Lopressor

    Pros and Const for Antiarrhythmic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat life-threatening arrhythmias
    •Available in a lower-cost, generic version
    •Available as an oral liquid for people having trouble swallowing tablets
    Cons
    •Must in a hospital for 3 days when first starting
    •Can cause serious arrhythmias, so it requires close monitoring
    •Can't use in people with certain medical conditions (e.g., heart failure, severe kidney problems, breathing problems)
    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •First choice treatment to prevent chest pain (angina)
    •First choice treatment for people who've had a heart attack because it lowers the risk of death
    •A possible option for mothers who are breastfeeding
    •Less likely to cause breathing problems than with other beta blockers
    •Available as a lower-cost generic version
    Cons
    •Need to take with food
    •Need to take more than once a day
    •Not a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure, unless you have heart failure or heart disease
    •Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Stopping too suddenly can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke

  • Common Side Effects of Betapace vs. Lopressor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness (up to 20%)
    •Dizziness (up to 16%)
    •Low heart rate (up to 13%)
    •Headache (up to 12%)
    •Trouble breathing (up to 10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness (10%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Rash (5%)
    •Depression (5%)

  • Warnings of Betapace vs. Lopressor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm
    •Low blood pressure and heart rate
    •Heart failure
    •Difficulty breathing (bronchospasm)
    •Masked symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Heart issues with sudden discontinuation
    •Severe allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening chest pain and heart attacks
    •Heart failure
    •Slow heart rate
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Greater risk during surgery
    •Risk of difficulty breathing

  • Prices with our coupons for Betapace vs. Lopressor

    Learn more about Sotalol
    Learn more about Metoprolol tartrate

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