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Compare Procardia XL vs. Lopressor

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

Key takeaways

Nifedipine ER (Procardia XL) and metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) are both used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes and work differently. Nifedipine ER is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure and improve oxygen flow to the heart. In contrast, metoprolol tartrate is a beta blocker that slows down the heart, reducing the pressure on blood vessels and the heart's oxygen demand. Nifedipine ER is typically taken once daily, while metoprolol tartrate is usually taken twice daily with food. Common side effects of nifedipine ER include swelling in the legs, dizziness, and headaches, whereas metoprolol tartrate can cause tiredness, dizziness, and diarrhea. Additionally, metoprolol tartrate is also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack, a benefit not shared by Nifedipine ER. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Nifedipine er (Procardia XL)
    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
  • Nifedipine er (Procardia XL)
    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)

  • Summary of Procardia XL vs. Lopressor

    Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Prescription only

    Nifedipine (Procardia, Procardia XL) is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It's used to treat certain heart conditions, such as chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure in adults. It mainly works by relaxing your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow. Nifedipine is available as an extended-release pill (ER) that's taken by mouth once daily, and a immediate-release pill (IR) that's taken three times a day. Keep in mind the nifedipine IR is rarely prescribed. Some side effects of nifedipine include swelling in the legs, dizziness, tiredness, and headache.

    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 Procardia XL vs. Lopressor

    Indications for
    •Chest pain (angina)
    •High blood pressure (hypertension) - extended-release tablets only
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chest pain (angina)
    •Lower risk of death after heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Procardia XL vs. Lopressor

    Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Pros
    •Lowers risk of heart attack and stroke in people with high blood pressure
    •Can take it alone or with other medications to help with blood pressure or chest pain
    •Calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine ER (Procardia XL), work especially well for Black people to lower blood pressure
    •The extended-release tablets are taken once daily
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •Often causes swelling in the legs and feet
    •Not a good choice if you have heart failure because of risk for swelling
    •If you have severe heart disease, it can raise your risk of having a heart attack or worsening chest pain
    •The immediate-release capsule needs to be taken 3 to 4 times a day
    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 Procardia XL vs. Lopressor

    Common Side Effects for

    Extended-release tablets:

    •Swelling (edema) in the legs, feet, or hands (10-30%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Fatigue (6%)
    •Dizziness (4%)

    Immediate-release capsules:

    •Dizziness or lightheadedness (27%)
    •Flushing (25%)
    •Headache (23%)
    •Weakness (12%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Swelling (10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness (10%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Rash (5%)
    •Depression (5%)

  • Warnings of Procardia XL vs. Lopressor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Risk of worsening chest pain or heart attack
    •Risk of heart failure
    •Swelling in legs and feet
    •Stomach or intestinal injury (extended-release form only)
    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 Procardia XL vs. Lopressor

    Learn more about Nifedipine er
    Learn more about Metoprolol tartrate

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