Metoprolol vs carvedilol: beta blockers compared
Metoprolol and carvedilol are beta blockers used for high blood pressure, heart failure and after heart attacks. Metoprolol acts mainly on the heart; carvedilol also relaxes blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure more but causes more dizziness.
Updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
- How it works
- Metoprolol
- Blocks beta-1 receptors, mainly in the heart
- Carvedilol
- Blocks beta and alpha-1 receptors, also relaxing blood vessels
- How often
- Metoprolol
- Tartrate twice a day; succinate once a day
- Carvedilol
- Twice a day with food; extended-release once a day
- Heart failure
- Metoprolol
- Metoprolol succinate is a proven treatment
- Carvedilol
- A proven treatment
- Asthma
- Metoprolol
- Used with caution
- Carvedilol
- Generally avoided
- Generic
- Metoprolol
- Yes
- Carvedilol
- Yes
Metoprolol Lopressor (tartrate), Toprol-XL (succinate) | Carvedilol Coreg | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Blocks beta-1 receptors, mainly in the heart | Blocks beta and alpha-1 receptors, also relaxing blood vessels |
| How often | Tartrate twice a day; succinate once a day | Twice a day with food; extended-release once a day |
| Heart failure | Metoprolol succinate is a proven treatment | A proven treatment |
| Asthma | Used with caution | Generally avoided |
| Generic | Yes | Yes |
Heart failure and the two forms of metoprolol
For heart failure with reduced pumping strength, carvedilol and metoprolol succinate, the extended-release form, have been shown to help people live longer. Metoprolol tartrate, the twice-daily form, has not, so the two metoprolol forms are not interchangeable for heart failure. Both are used after heart attacks and for high blood pressure.
Side effects
Because carvedilol also widens blood vessels, it lowers blood pressure more and causes more dizziness, especially when starting; taking it with food helps. Metoprolol is more selective for the heart, so its label allows cautious use in some people with asthma or COPD, while the carvedilol label lists bronchial asthma as a reason not to use it. Both can cause tiredness, slow heart rate and cold hands, and both can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar.
Never stop suddenly
Stopping either abruptly can cause rebound fast heart rate, chest pain or even a heart attack in people with heart disease. Any change is made gradually with your prescriber.
Cost
Both are available as generics in more than one form, and each pharmacy sets its own cash price for each form and strength, so ask for a quote on the exact form prescribed, immediate-release or extended-release.
Procedures and other medicines
Tell surgeons and dentists you take a beta blocker, and do not stop it before a procedure unless told to. Verapamil, diltiazem, digoxin and clonidine add to the slowing of the heart, and fluoxetine and paroxetine raise levels of both medicines, which can cause dizziness or a very slow pulse.
Questions for your prescriber
- Which form of metoprolol am I on, and is it the right one for my condition?
- Would carvedilol lower my blood pressure more, and would the dizziness be a problem?
- How should I take it around meals?
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Sources
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. It is general information, not advice for you or your pet; your prescriber decides which medicine is right.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.