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Compare Enalapril vs. Toprol XL

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

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.

  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)

  • Summary of Enalapril vs. Toprol XL

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Enalapril (Vasotec) is a first-choice medication used for treating high blood pressure. It's also approved for heart failure. Enalapril (Vasotec) belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It's taken by mouth, once or twice daily. Enalapril (Vasotec) doesn't cause many side effects, but some include tiredness, dizziness, and cough.

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) is used to treat hypertension and to control chronic (long-term) chest pain. It's also used to lower the risk for hospitalization and death in people with heart failure. Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) is the extended-release version of metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor), but keep in mind the two versions don't treat the exact same conditions. And because metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) is longer-acting, it's taken by mouth typically taken just once daily. Some common side effects of metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) include tiredness or dizziness.

  • Indications of Enalapril vs. Toprol XL

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chest pain (angina)
    •Lower the risk of hospitalization and death in heart failure

  • Pros and Cons of Enalapril vs. Toprol XL

    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •A first-choice blood pressure lowering medication for many people
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can be taken by children as young as 1 month old (high blood pressure only)
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •More likely to cause a dry cough, compared to angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
    •Can't be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Might not work as well for lowering high blood pressure in black people
    •Need to take twice daily for heart failure
    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •A first-choice option to prevent chest pains (angina)
    •A first-choice option for heart failure
    •Only needs to be taken once a day
    •Available as capsules (Kapspargo) that can be opened and sprinkled on soft foods, good for people who've trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Need to take with food
    •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 Enalapril vs. Toprol XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling tired (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness
    •Dizziness
    •Depression
    •Diarrhea
    •Trouble catching your breath
    •Drop in heart rate
    •Rash

    Please note: The side effects above occurred in 2% or more of people taking metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL).

  • Warnings of Enalapril vs. Toprol XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •Heart problems due to high potassium
    •Liver problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems after suddenly stopping the medication
    •Worsened symptoms of heart failure
    •Risk of difficulty breathing
    •Rise in blood pressure in people with pheochromocytoma
    •Greater risk during surgery
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Masked symptoms of overactive thyroid

  • Prices with our coupons for Enalapril vs. Toprol XL

    Learn more about Enalapril
    Learn more about Metoprolol succinate

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