Key takeaways
Enalapril (Vasotec) and Metoprolol (Lopressor) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes and have different uses. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that also treats heart failure, while Metoprolol is a beta blocker that treats chest pain and lowers the risk of death after a heart attack. Enalapril is typically taken once or twice daily and can be used in children as young as 1 month old. Metoprolol is usually taken twice daily with food and is available in both short-acting (tartrate) and long-acting (succinate) forms. Metoprolol succinate is typically taken once daily, and it's also FDA approved for heart failure. Common side effects of Enalapril include tiredness and dizziness, while Metoprolol can cause tiredness, dizziness, and diarrhea. Enalapril can cause a dry cough, which is not expected with Metoprolol. Both medications are available in generic forms.
