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Compare Toprol XL vs. Atenolol

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

Key takeaways

Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) and atenolol (Tenormin) are both beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. Metoprolol succinate is also used to lower the risk of hospitalization and death in people with heart failure, while atenolol is used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Metoprolol succinate is an extended-release medication taken once daily, whereas atenolol is typically taken once daily but can be taken twice daily after a heart attack. Both medications can cause dizziness and tiredness, but atenolol is more likely to cause cold hands and feet. Metoprolol succinate must be taken with food, while atenolol does not have this requirement. Additionally, metoprolol succinate is available in a form that can be sprinkled on food, which is helpful for those who have trouble swallowing pills. Both medications can hide symptoms of low blood sugar and should not be stopped suddenly without consulting your provider.

  • Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
    Atenolol (Tenormin)
  • Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
    Atenolol (Tenormin)

  • Summary of Toprol XL vs. Atenolol

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) is used to treat hypertension and to control chronic (long-term) chest pain. It's also used to lower the risk for hospitalization and death in people with heart failure. Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) is the extended-release version of metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor), but keep in mind the two versions don't treat the exact same conditions. And because metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) is longer-acting, it's taken by mouth typically taken just once daily. Some common side effects of metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) include tiredness or dizziness.

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Atenolol (Tenormin) is a cardioselective beta-blocker that's used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. It's also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Atenolol (Tenormin) works by slowing down heart rate and making it easier for your heart to pump blood. Atenolol (Tenormin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some common side effects of this medication include dizziness, feeling tired, and having cold hands and feet.

  • Indications of Toprol XL vs. Atenolol

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chest pain (angina)
    •Lower the risk of hospitalization and death in heart failure
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chest pain (stable angina)
    •Lower risk of death after heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Toprol XL vs. Atenolol

    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •A first-choice option to prevent chest pains (angina)
    •A first-choice option for heart failure
    •Only needs to be taken once a day
    •Available as capsules (Kapspargo) that can be opened and sprinkled on soft foods, good for people who've trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Need to take with food
    •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
    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •A first-choice treatment to prevent chest pains (angina)
    •Lower risk of wheezing and breathing problems compared to non-selective beta blockers
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Can hide some symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Stopping treatment suddenly can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke

  • Common Side Effects of Toprol XL vs. Atenolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness
    •Dizziness
    •Depression
    •Diarrhea
    •Trouble catching your breath
    •Drop in heart rate
    •Rash

    Please note: The side effects above occurred in 2% or more of people taking metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL).

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling tired (up to 26%)
    •Dizziness (up to 13%)
    •Cold hands and feet (up to 12%)
    •Feeling depressed (up to 12%)
    •Trouble catching your breath (up to 6%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by people who took atenolol for high blood pressure

  • Warnings of Toprol XL vs. Atenolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems after suddenly stopping the medication
    •Worsened symptoms of heart failure
    •Risk of difficulty breathing
    •Rise in blood pressure in people with pheochromocytoma
    •Greater risk during surgery
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Masked symptoms of overactive thyroid
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening chest pain, heart attacks, and irregular heartbeat
    •Heart failure
    •Risk of difficulty breathing
    •Greater risk during surgery
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Risk of heart block (medication interaction)
    •Risk of harm to unborn and breastfed babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Toprol XL vs. Atenolol

    Learn more about Metoprolol succinate
    Learn more about Atenolol

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