Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Toprol XL vs. Lopressor

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

Key takeaways

Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) and metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) are both beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). However, they have some important differences. Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) is an extended-release medication taken once daily and is also approved to lower the risk of hospitalization and death in people with heart failure. In contrast, metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is a short-acting medication taken twice daily and is approved to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Both medications can cause side effects like tiredness, dizziness, and diarrhea. Also, both medications can hide symptoms of low blood sugar, so you should be aware of that if you have diabetes. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic.

  • Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
  • Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)

  • Summary of Toprol XL vs. Lopressor

    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

    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure. It's also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. This medication is taken by mouth, typically twice daily, though your dosage depends on what condition you have. Some side effects of metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) include dizziness or tiredness. Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is available as a brand name and generic tablet.

  • Indications of Toprol XL vs. Lopressor

    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 (angina)
    •Lower risk of death after heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Toprol XL vs. Lopressor

    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
    •First choice treatment to prevent chest pain (angina)
    •First choice treatment for people who've had a heart attack because it lowers the risk of death
    •A possible option for mothers who are breastfeeding
    •Less likely to cause breathing problems than with other beta blockers
    •Available as a lower-cost generic version
    Cons
    •Need to take with food
    •Need to take more than once a day
    •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

  • Common Side Effects of Toprol XL vs. Lopressor

    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
    •Tiredness (10%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Rash (5%)
    •Depression (5%)

  • Warnings of Toprol XL vs. Lopressor

    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
    •Heart failure
    •Slow heart rate
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Greater risk during surgery
    •Risk of difficulty breathing

  • Prices with our coupons for Toprol XL vs. Lopressor

    Learn more about Metoprolol succinate
    Learn more about Metoprolol tartrate

Compare other Hypertension and Angina drugs

Enalapril vs Toprol XlToprol Xl vs AtenololToprol Xl vs BetapaceToprol Xl vs BisoprololToprol Xl vs BystolicToprol Xl vs CatapresToprol Xl vs CoregToprol Xl vs LopressorBenicar vs BystolicBetapace vs CordaroneBetapace vs LopressorBetapace vs NexteroneBetapace vs Quinidine SulfateBetapace vs TenorminBetapace vs ZebetaBisoprolol vs LisinoprilCatapres vs CapotenCoreg vs BystolicLisinopril vs BetapaceLopressor vs BisoprololLopressor vs BystolicLosartan vs BetapaceLosartan vs BisoprololMultaq vs BetapaceNorpace vs BetapaceNorvasc vs BetapaceNorvasc vs BystolicPropranolol vs BisoprololPropranolol vs BystolicZebeta vs Bystolic
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.