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Compare Losartan vs. Lopressor

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

Key takeaways

Losartan (Cozaar) and metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), while metoprolol tartrate is a beta blocker. Losartan is also used to lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure and thickened heart walls (left ventricular hypertrophy), and to slow kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes. Metoprolol tartrate, on the other hand, is used to treat chest pain and to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Losartan is typically taken once a day, whereas metoprolol tartrate is usually taken twice a day with food. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms. Common side effects of losartan include dizziness and upper respiratory infections, while metoprolol tartrate can cause tiredness as well as dizziness. Losartan can interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and medications that raise potassium levels, while metoprolol tartrate can interact with medications affecting heart rate and blood sugar levels.

  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)

  • Summary of Losartan vs. Lopressor

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Losartan, also known by the brand name Cozaar, is a first-choice medication that's used to lower blood pressure. It's also shown to protect against stroke in certain people. In addition, this medication can slow down the worsening of kidney problems in certain people with diabetes. Losartan (Cozaar) belongs to the drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). This medication is taken by mouth once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, and upper respiratory infections.

    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 Losartan vs. Lopressor

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure who have a thickened heart (left ventricular hypertrophy)
    •Slow down the worsening of kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chest pain (angina)
    •Lower risk of death after heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Losartan vs. Lopressor

    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •A first-choice blood pressure medication, including for those with heart failure, diabetes, and kidney problems
    •Taken once per day
    •Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old
    •Works similarly to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but with fewer side effects, like cough and swelling
    Cons
    •Might cause dizziness
    •Might not work as well for Black people as other blood pressure medications do
    •Not safe to use during pregnancy
    •Can interact with medications like lithium and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
    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 Losartan vs. Lopressor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Stuffy nose (2%)
    •Back pain (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness (10%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Rash (5%)
    •Depression (5%)

  • Warnings of Losartan vs. Lopressor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels
    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 Losartan vs. Lopressor

    Learn more about Losartan
    Learn more about Metoprolol tartrate

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