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Compare Toprol XL vs. Bisoprolol

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

Key takeaways

Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) and bisoprolol (Zebeta) are both beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure, but they have some key differences. Metoprolol succinate is also used to treat chest pain (angina) and to lower the risk of hospitalization and death in people with heart failure, while bisoprolol is primarily used for high blood pressure and is usually prescribed when first-choice medications aren't effective. Metoprolol succinate is an extended-release medication taken once daily with food, whereas bisoprolol can be taken with or without food. Common side effects of metoprolol succinate include tiredness and dizziness, while bisoprolol commonly causes headaches and fatigue. Both medications can hide symptoms of low blood sugar and should not be stopped suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider. Additionally, metoprolol succinate is available in a form that can be sprinkled on food, which can be helpful if you have trouble swallowing pills.

  • Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
    Bisoprolol
  • Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
    Bisoprolol

  • Summary of Toprol XL vs. Bisoprolol

    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

    Bisoprolol, or bisoprolol fumarate, is a tablet that's used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a group of medications called beta blockers. It's usually only given when first-choice blood pressure medications aren't working well enough. Some common side effects of bisoprolol include headache, feeling tired, and diarrhea. It has some interactions with alcohol and taking bisoprolol with alcohol can worsen dizziness and raise the risk for fainting.

  • Indications of Toprol XL vs. Bisoprolol

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

  • Pros and Cons of Toprol XL vs. Bisoprolol

    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
    •Works well to lower blood pressure
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Only need to take it once a day
    •Can take it with or without food
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice medication to lower blood pressure
    •Skipping or missing doses can lead to high blood pressure and higher risk of heart attacks
    •Can make you feel more tired
    •Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar if you have diabetes

  • Common Side Effects of Toprol XL vs. Bisoprolol

    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
    •Headache (9%)
    •Fatigue (7%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (5%)
    •Swelling in arms or legs (4%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Runny nose (3%)

  • Warnings of Toprol XL vs. Bisoprolol

    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
    •Heart attack or irregular heart rhythm
    •Heart failure
    •Trouble breathing (people with bronchospastic conditions)
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of high thyroid hormone
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Worsening of poor circulation

  • Prices with our coupons for Toprol XL vs. Bisoprolol

    Learn more about Metoprolol succinate
    Learn more about Bisoprolol

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