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Plendil vs. Lopressor

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

Key takeaways

Felodipine ER (Plendil) and metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes and work in different ways. Felodipine ER is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure and is typically taken once daily. In contrast, metoprolol tartrate is a beta blocker that slows down the heart to reduce blood pressure and chest pain, and it is usually taken twice daily. Felodipine ER is not recommended for people with heart failure, while metoprolol tartrate can be used in certain heart conditions but should not be stopped suddenly due to the risk of heart attack or stroke. Felodipine ER is available only as a generic, whereas metoprolol tartrate is available in both brand name and generic forms. Common side effects of felodipine ER include swelling and headaches, while metoprolol tartrate can cause tiredness and dizziness.

Felodipine ER

(Plendil)

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Metoprolol tartrate

(Lopressor)

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Summary for Plendil

Prescription only

Felodipine ER (Plendil) is a calcium channel blocker. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels. This medication is one of the first-choice options for treating high blood pressure in adults. It's taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some side effects of this medication include swelling, headache, and flushing. Brand name Plendil has been discontinued.

Indications for Plendil

Pros and Cons for Plendil

Pros

  • Taken by mouth
  • Taken once daily
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Cons

  • Only available as a tablet
  • Not a good choice if you've heart failure
  • Not recommended in pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Plendil

  • Swelling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet (up to 17%)
  • Headache (up to 15%)
  • Flushing (up to 7%)

Warnings for Plendil

  • Severely low blood pressure
  • Caution with heart failure
  • Swelling

Summary for Lopressor

Prescription only

Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is a beta blocker used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure in adults. It can also lower the risk of death after a heart attack. You take it by mouth, typically once or twice a day, but your dose depends on your condition. Side effects include dizziness, shortness of breath, and it can make you tired.

Indications for Lopressor

Pros and Cons for Lopressor

Pros

  • Fast-acting — works quickly after you take it
  • First choice treatment after a heart attack
  • Available in different strengths, so your dose can be adjusted easily
  • Possible option for those who are breastfeeding

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lopressor

  • Tiredness (10%)
  • Dizziness (10%)
  • Diarrhea (5%)
  • Rash (5%)
  • Depression (5%)

Warnings for Lopressor

  • Risks of stopping treatment suddenly
  • Worsening heart failure
  • Risk of difficulty breathing
  • Major surgery
  • Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
  • Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid
  • Severe allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Plendil vs. Lopressor

Price Card Drug Icon
Felodipine ER90 tablets / 10mg
$26.90-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Metoprolol60 tablets / 25mg
$9.00$9.00
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