Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Propranolol vs. Bystolic

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

Key takeaways

Propranolol (Inderal LA, Inderal XL, Innopran XL) and Nebivolol (Bystolic) are both beta blockers, but they have some key differences. Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker, meaning it affects both the heart and blood vessels, and is used to treat a variety of conditions including high blood pressure, chest pain, migraines, and tremors. In contrast, Nebivolol is more selective, primarily targeting the heart, and is mainly used to treat high blood pressure. Propranolol is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, requiring multiple doses per day for the former and once daily for the latter, while nebivolol is typically taken once a day. Propranolol can cause side effects like dizziness, tiredness, and weight gain, whereas nebivolol is less likely to cause weight gain and erectile dysfunction. Both medications can hide symptoms of low blood sugar, but nebivolol is less likely to cause breathing problems compared to propranolol, which is not recommended for people with asthma.

  • Propranolol
    Nebivolol (Bystolic)
  • Propranolol
    Nebivolol (Bystolic)

  • Summary of Propranolol vs. Bystolic

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker. It helps with a range of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, tremors, and migraine prevention. Sometimes, providers prescribe propranolol off-label to ease performance anxiety. You take this medication by mouth, typically 1 to 4 times daily, depending on if you're taking the immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (ER) medication. Keep in mind the IR and ER versions don't treat the same medical conditions. Some of the more common side effects of propranolol include dizziness, tiredness, or weakness.

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Nebivolol (Bystolic) is a beta blocker. It's used to treat high blood pressure in adults, but it's not a first-choice medication for this condition. The typical dose is to take one tablet by mouth daily. Some of the more common side effects of nebivolol (Bystolic) include dizziness and tiredness. Don't drink alcohol while taking this medication because doing so can worsen dizziness. Nebivolol (Bystolic) is less likely to cause erectile dysfunction and weight gain compared to other beta blockers. It's available as both brand name Bystolic and generic nebivolol.

  • Indications of Propranolol vs. Bystolic

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chronic chest pain
    •Migraine
    •Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
    •Atrial fibrillation (A.Fib)
    •Heart protection after a heart attack
    •Tremors
    •Pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland)
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Propranolol vs. Bystolic

    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Long-acting version only needs to be taken once a day
    •Oral solution might be a good option for people who can't swallow pills
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Not safe for people with asthma or certain serious heart conditions
    •Can hide many recognizable symptoms of low blood sugar, such as fast heart beat or tremors, which might prevent timely treatment
    •Missing doses or suddenly stopping propranolol can raise your risk of heart attacks
    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Only need to take it once a day
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Less likely to cause certain side effects, like erectile dysfunction, compared to other beta blockers
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice medication to lower blood pressure
    •Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar if you have diabetes
    •Not recommended if you're breastfeeding
    •Can't suddenly stop the medication because it can raise your risk of chest pain or heart attack

  • Common Side Effects of Propranolol vs. Bystolic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Tiredness
    •Feeling weak
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (6-9%)
    •Tiredness (2-5%)
    •Dizziness (2-4%)
    •Diarrhea (2-3%)
    •Nausea (1-3%)

  • Warnings of Propranolol vs. Bystolic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of chest pain or heart attack
    •Higher risk or worsening of heart failure
    •Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Trouble breathing (bronchospastic disease)
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Greater risk during surgery
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart attack or irregular heart rhythm
    •Risk of difficulty breathing
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of high thyroid hormone
    •Risk during surgery
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Propranolol vs. Bystolic

    Learn more about Propranolol
    Learn more about Nebivolol

Compare other Hypertension drugs

Cogentin vs PropranololDantrium vs PropranololDilantin vs PropranololElavil vs PropranololLamictal vs PropranololNeurontin vs PropranololPropranolol vs BaclofenPropranolol vs BisoprololPropranolol vs BystolicPropranolol vs CafergotPropranolol vs CoregPropranolol vs DepakotePropranolol vs DetrolPropranolol vs EffexorPropranolol vs FioricetPropranolol vs HydrochlorothiazidePropranolol vs KeppraPropranolol vs LisinoprilPropranolol vs LosartanPropranolol vs MyrbetriqPropranolol vs OxybutyninPropranolol vs SancturaPropranolol vs TrileptalPropranolol vs VesicarePropranolol vs XanaxTegretol vs PropranololTopamax vs PropranololBenicar vs BystolicCoreg vs BystolicLopressor vs Bystolic
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.