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Compare Propranolol vs. Coreg

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

Key takeaways

Propranolol (Inderal LA, Inderal XL, Innopran XL) and carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR) are both beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure, but they have some key differences. Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker, while carvedilol is both an alpha and beta blocker. This means carvedilol not only slows your heart rate but also relaxes your blood vessels more effectively. Propranolol is used for a wider range of conditions, including migraines, tremors, and performance anxiety, whereas carvedilol is specifically used for high blood pressure and reducing the risk of death after a heart attack. You can take propranolol in immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (ER) forms, with the IR version needing multiple doses a day, while carvedilol also comes in both forms but typically requires fewer doses. Both medications can cause dizziness and tiredness. Additionally, both should be taken with caution if you have asthma or diabetes, as they can hide symptoms of low blood sugar and cause breathing issues.

drug combination

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  • Propranolol
    Carvedilol (Coreg)
  • Propranolol
    Carvedilol (Coreg)

  • Summary of Propranolol vs. Coreg

    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

    Carvedilol (Coreg) is used to treat high blood pressure, manage heart failure, and help with heart problems after a heart attack. It belongs to the beta blocker drug class. This medication comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth twice daily, and as an oral extended-release (ER) capsule (brand name Coreg CR) that's taken once daily. Common side effects include dizziness, feeling tired, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Propranolol vs. Coreg

    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
    •Heart failure
    •Lower the risk of death from heart-related problems after a heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Propranolol vs. Coreg

    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
    •Taken by mouth
    •Comes as a once-daily extended-release formulation
    •Dose can be adjusted based on your response
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to take with food
    •Can cause you to feel more tired
    •Can cause dry eyes if you wear contact lenses
    •Shouldn't be taken if you have asthma or an asthma-related condition

  • Common Side Effects of Propranolol vs. Coreg

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Tiredness
    •Feeling weak
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (6%)

    Please note: These side effects were reported by people who took carvedilol (Coreg) in clinical studies for high blood pressure.

  • Warnings of Propranolol vs. Coreg

    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
    •Worsening chest pain and heart attacks
    •Slow heart rate and low blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Risk of difficulty breathing
    •Hiding symptoms of high thyroid hormone
    •Risk of kidney problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Greater risk during surgery
    •Risk of eye problems during surgery

  • Prices with our coupons for Propranolol vs. Coreg

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    Learn more about Carvedilol

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