Key takeaways
Enalapril (Vasotec) and Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct mechanisms of action. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that works by relaxing blood vessels, while Metoprolol succinate is a beta blocker that slows down the heart rate. Enalapril is also approved for heart failure and can be taken by children as young as 1 month old, whereas Metoprolol succinate is used to control chronic chest pain and lower the risk of hospitalization and death in heart failure, and is only approved for children 6 years and older. Enalapril is typically taken once or twice daily, while Metoprolol succinate is taken once daily. Common side effects of Enalapril include tiredness, dizziness, and cough, whereas Metoprolol succinate can cause tiredness, dizziness, and depression. Enalapril should not be used during pregnancy, while Metoprolol succinate should not be stopped suddenly due to the risk of heart problems.
