How Do You Use Them?
It is also available as a generic.
Propranolol and metoprolol arebeta-blockers.
Grace Cary / Getty Images
By blocking epinephrine, beta-blockers reduce heart muscle contractions and lower the heart’s demand for oxygen.
Beta-blockers are further classified as selective and nonselective based on the beta receptors they target.
Consult your healthcare provider for more information about the side effects of both drugs.
Your provider can check for drug interactions.
Other Precautions
Both drugs have several contraindications, or reasons that someone should not use the drug.
Some other precautions include but are not limited to:
Which One Should You Take?
In some cases, one drug may be preferred over the other based on its FDA-approved uses.
Conversely, metoprolol ER is approved for heart failure, while propranolol is not.
Propranolol is nonselective, meaning it blocks both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors.
This makes it useful for migraine prevention and essential tremor as well as certain heart conditions.
Both drugs have similar side effects, including dizziness and tiredness.
Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice on the best treatment for you.
American Heart Association.Types of heart medications.
DailyMed.Propranolol (extended release).
2022;23(17):10099. doi:10.3390/ijms231710099
Prescribers Digital Reference.Inderal.
DailyMed.Lopressor- metoprolol tartrate tablet.
DailyMed.Kapspargo- metoprolol succinate capsule, extended release.
DailyMed.Toprol XL- metoprolol succinate tablet, extended release.
Prescribers' Digital Reference.Toprol.
Prescribers' Digital Reference.Lopressor.
2019;14(3):e0212785.
Bethesda (MD).
American Heart Association.How do beta blocker drugs affect exercise?
MedlinePlus.Propranolol (cardiovascular).
Casiglia E, Tikhonoff V.Long-standing problem of -blockerelicited hypoglycemia in diabetes mellitus.Hypertension.
2019;13(9):815-822. doi:10.1080/17476348.2019.1649147