How is atenolol superior to metoprolol?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on April 6, 2022.
Official answer
by Drugs.comThere are 2 main differences between Atenolol and Metoprolol which may affect the choice in treating particular diseases or patients.These differences are:
1. Atenolol is water soluble. Metoprolol is lipid soluble so is more likely to produce sleep disturbances and nightmares because it can cross the blood brain barrier.
2. Atenolol has a longer half life and can be taken once a day while Metoprolol needs to be taken twice daily.
Beta blockers are in general equally effective, and Atenolol and Metoprolol are both beta blockers.
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