{"id":629515,"date":"2024-08-20T11:08:37","date_gmt":"2024-08-20T15:08:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629515"},"modified":"2026-01-30T16:14:40","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T21:14:40","slug":"losartan-vs-metoprolol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/losartan-vs-metoprolol\/","title":{"rendered":"Losartan vs. metoprolol: Differences, similarities, and which one is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Losartan<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>metoprolol<\/span><\/a> are commonly prescribed blood pressure medications, or antihypertensives, used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and other heart-related conditions. Losartan is classified in a group of medications called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs, similar to drugs such as Diovan (valsartan) and Benicar (olmesartan). Losartan is a generic for the brand-name drug Cozaar. It works by blocking the action of a hormone called angiotensin II, which helps relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Metoprolol is a beta blocker, similar to drugs such as Tenormin (atenolol) and Inderal (propranolol). It comes in two formulations: an immediate-release formulation called metoprolol tartrate, which is generic for Lopressor, and an extended-release formulation called metoprolol succinate, which is generic for Toprol XL. Metoprolol helps lower blood pressure and reduce heart strain by blocking beta receptors in the heart that control heart rate.<\/span><\/p>\n

While both medications lower blood pressure and can treat other conditions, they are in different drug classes and are not the same. Continue reading to learn more about losartan and metoprolol.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between losartan and metoprolol?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Losartan is a generic angiotensin receptor blocker (<\/span>ARB<\/span><\/a>), also known by the brand name Cozaar. It is available as an oral tablet. Metoprolol, a <\/span>beta blocker<\/span><\/a>, is known by brand names such as Lopressor and Toprol XL. It is available in oral immediate-release (IR) tablets, extended-release (ER) tablets, capsules, and injectable form.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For reference, these medications are also available as combination medications with a <\/span>diuretic<\/span><\/a> (water pill). For example, the medication Hyzaar combines losartan and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)<\/a>, and Lopressor HCT combines metoprolol tartrate and HCTZ. This article will focus on the single-ingredient medications, losartan vs. metoprolol.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between losartan and metoprolol<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nLosartan<\/b><\/td>\nMetoprolol<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nAngiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)<\/span><\/td>\nBeta-blocker\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nGeneric<\/span><\/td>\nGeneric\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the brand name?<\/b><\/td>\nCozaar\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nLopressor<\/span><\/a> (metoprolol tartrate)<\/span><\/p>\n

Toprol XL<\/span><\/a> (metoprolol succinate extended-release)<\/span><\/p>\n

Kapspargo<\/span><\/a> (metoprolol succinate extended-release)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nMetoprolol tartrate<\/span><\/p>\n
    \n
  • Oral tablets: 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Injection<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Metoprolol succinate ER<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Oral extended-release tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Kapspargo:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Oral extended-release capsules: 25mg, 50mg, 100mg, 200mg<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/a>; a typical dose may be 50 mg or 100 mg by mouth daily<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/a>; a typical dose may be metoprolol succinate ER 25 to 100 mg by mouth daily<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nLong-term\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nLong-term<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nHypertension: adults and children older than 6 years of age<\/span><\/p>\n

All other uses: adults<\/span><\/td>\n

Metoprolol IR: adults<\/span><\/p>\n

Metoprolol ER: adults and children 6 years and older for hypertension; adults only for all other uses<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by losartan and metoprolol<\/span><\/h2>\n

Losartan is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the following uses:<\/span><\/p>\n