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Compare Toprol XL vs. Bystolic

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

Key takeaways

Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) and nebivolol (Bystolic) are both beta blockers, but they have some key differences. Metoprolol succinate is used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, and to lower the risk of hospitalization and death in people with heart failure. In contrast, nebivolol is primarily used to treat high blood pressure and is not a first-choice medication for this condition. Metoprolol succinate is available in both brand (Toprol XL) and generic forms, while nebivolol is available as both brand (Bystolic) and generic. Metoprolol succinate needs to be taken with food, whereas nebivolol can be taken with or without food. Additionally, nebivolol is less likely to cause erectile dysfunction and weight gain compared to other beta blockers, including metoprolol succinate. Both medications can cause dizziness and tiredness, and you should not stop taking either suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider.

  • Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
    Nebivolol (Bystolic)
  • Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
    Nebivolol (Bystolic)

  • Summary of Toprol XL vs. Bystolic

    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

    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 Toprol XL vs. Bystolic

    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. Bystolic

    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
    •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 Toprol XL vs. Bystolic

    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 (6-9%)
    •Tiredness (2-5%)
    •Dizziness (2-4%)
    •Diarrhea (2-3%)
    •Nausea (1-3%)

  • Warnings of Toprol XL vs. Bystolic

    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
    •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 Toprol XL vs. Bystolic

    Learn more about Metoprolol succinate
    Learn more about Nebivolol

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