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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 a beta blocker used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure in adults. It can also lower the risk of death after a heart attack. You take it by mouth, typically once or twice a day, but your dose depends on your condition. Side effects include dizziness, shortness of breath, and it can make you tired.

  • 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 a 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
    •Fast-acting — works quickly after you take it
    •First choice treatment after a heart attack
    •Available in different strengths, so your dose can be adjusted easily
    •Possible option for those who are breastfeeding
    Cons
    •Need to take with food
    •Typically need to take more than once a day
    •Not a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure, unless you have certain heart conditions
    •Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar

  • 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
    •Risks of stopping treatment suddenly
    •Worsening heart failure
    •Risk of difficulty breathing
    •Major surgery
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Toprol XL vs. Lopressor

    Learn more about Metoprolol succinate
    Learn more about Metoprolol tartrate

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