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Compare Toprol XL vs. Coreg

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

Key takeaways

Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) and carvedilol (Coreg) are both beta blockers used to treat heart conditions, but they have some key differences. Metoprolol succinate is a selective beta blocker, meaning it mainly affects your heart, and is typically taken once daily. It's used for high blood pressure, chest pain, and heart failure. Carvedilol, on the other hand, is both an alpha and beta blocker, which means it also relaxes your blood vessels. It can be taken as an immediate-release tablet twice daily or as an extended-release capsule once daily. Carvedilol is used for high blood pressure, heart failure, and to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Both medications can cause dizziness and tiredness, but carvedilol may also cause weight gain and dry eyes. Additionally, carvedilol should not be taken if you have asthma or severe liver problems. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
    Carvedilol (Coreg)
  • Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
    Carvedilol (Coreg)

  • Summary of Toprol XL vs. Coreg

    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

    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 Toprol XL vs. Coreg

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chest pain (angina)
    •Lower the risk of hospitalization and death in heart failure
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    •Lower the risk of death from heart-related problems after a heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Toprol XL vs. Coreg

    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
    •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 Toprol XL vs. Coreg

    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
    •Dizziness (6%)

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

  • Warnings of Toprol XL vs. Coreg

    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 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 Toprol XL vs. Coreg

    Learn more about Metoprolol succinate
    Learn more about Carvedilol

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