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Compare Lopressor HCT vs. Exforge

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

Key takeaways

Lopressor HCT (metoprolol tartrate/hydrochlorothiazide) and Exforge (amlodipine/valsartan) are both combination medications used to lower blood pressure, but they work in different ways. Lopressor HCT combines a beta blocker (metoprolol) and a thiazide diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide), which slow down your heart rate and remove extra fluids through your kidneys. Exforge, on the other hand, combines a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) and an angiotensin receptor blocker (valsartan), which relax your blood vessels and block a hormone that narrows them. Lopressor HCT is typically taken once or twice daily with food, while Exforge is taken once daily, with or without food. Common side effects of Lopressor HCT include dizziness and tiredness, whereas Exforge can cause swelling in the legs or arms and dizziness.Both drugs are available as lower-cost generics. Additionally, Exforge is not safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, while Lopressor HCT has specific warnings for people with certain heart and lung conditions.

  • Metoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide
    Exforge (amlodipine / valsartan)
  • Metoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide
    Exforge (amlodipine / valsartan)

  • Summary of Lopressor HCT vs. Exforge

    Summary for Beta blocker / Thiazide diuretic
    Prescription only

    Metoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide is a combination medication that's used to lower blood pressure in adults. It contains a beta blocker (metoprolol tartrate) that slows down the heart and a thiazide diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide) that removes extra fluids through your kidneys. Metoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily with food. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include dizziness and tiredness. The brand name, Lopressor HCT, is no longer available.

    Summary for CCB / ARB
    Prescription only

    Exforge is a combination blood pressure medication for adults. It contains amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker, or CCB) and valsartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker, or ARB). It comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once per day. Some side effects of Exforge (amlodipine / valsartan) include swelling throughout the body and dizziness. This medication is available as generics.

  • Indications of Lopressor HCT vs. Exforge

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Lopressor HCT vs. Exforge

    Pros and Const for Beta blocker / Thiazide diuretic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth just once or twice daily
    •Lowers risk of heart attack and stroke
    •Combines 2 medications into 1 pill for convenience
    Cons
    •Can make you urinate more often
    •Stopping suddenly can raise risk of chest pain and heart attack
    •Fixed dosing, so not as easy to adjust the dose (compared to taking each medication separately)
    Pros and Const for CCB / ARB
    Pros
    •Convenient to take a combination of two medications in one pill
    •Only taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding
    •Might not be a good choice for people with liver problems
    •Can cause swelling in the arms and legs

  • Common Side Effects of Lopressor HCT vs. Exforge

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Sun sensitivity

    Note: Side effects listed are from people who took metoprolol tartrate or hydrochlorothiazide in clinical studies.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling in legs or arms (5%)
    •Sore throat, runny nose, and other cold-like symptoms (3-4%)
    •Dizziness (2%)

  • Warnings of Lopressor HCT vs. Exforge

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of chest pain and heart attack
    •Heart failure
    •Risk of difficulty breathing
    •Slow heart rate
    •Greater risk during surgery
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Fluid, electrolyte, and kidney problems
    •Eye problems
    •Lupus
    •Serious allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Risk of heart attack or chest pain
    •Possible kidney damage in certain people
    •High potassium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Lopressor HCT vs. Exforge

    Learn more about Metoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide
    Learn more about Exforge

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