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Compare 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)
    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
  • Felodipine er (Plendil)
    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)

  • Summary of Plendil vs. Lopressor

    Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    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.

    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 Plendil vs. Lopressor

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure (hypertension)
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chest pain (angina)
    •Lower risk of death after heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Plendil vs. Lopressor

    Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    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
    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 Plendil vs. Lopressor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet (up to 17%)
    •Headache (up to 15%)
    •Flushing (up to 7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness (10%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Rash (5%)
    •Depression (5%)

  • Warnings of Plendil vs. Lopressor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severely low blood pressure
    •Caution with heart failure
    •Swelling
    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 Plendil vs. Lopressor

    Learn more about Felodipine er
    Learn more about Metoprolol tartrate

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