Two medicines, side by side
Clonidine vs metoprolol
Clonidine and metoprolol are both labeled for high blood pressure. Drugs@FDA records approvals of clonidine since 1974 and of metoprolol since 1978. Pharmacies paid $0.0241 per clonidine HCl 0.1 mg tablet and $0.085 per metoprolol succ ER 100 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. Clonidine's other strengths are brand-only: $1.53 per mL (Javadin 0.02 mg/mL solution). Metoprolol's other strengths are brand-only: $1.20 per mL (Lopressor 10 mg/mL oral solution). In FDA's classes, clonidine is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and metoprolol a beta-adrenergic blocker.
Check it at the source: the clonidine FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 30, 2026); the metoprolol FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 3, 2026).
Highlights of the clonidine record
Clonidine (Catapres) · label of March 30, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsClonidine hydrochloride tablets are indicated in the treatment of hypertension. Clonidine hydrochloride tablets may be employed alone or concomitantly with other antihypertensive agents.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- September 3, 1974
- Generic labelers
- 43 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0241 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 16
Highlights of the metoprolol record
Metoprolol (Lopressor) · label of March 3, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsTOPROL-XL, metoprolol succinate, is a beta-adrenergic blocker indicated for the treatment of: Hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. ( 1.1 ) Angina Pectoris. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- August 7, 1978
- Generic labelers
- 74 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.085 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- A presentation being discontinued
- Recalls
- 39
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Clonidine label of March 30, 2026, Metoprolol label of March 3, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do clonidine and metoprolol differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, clonidine is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and metoprolol a beta-adrenergic blocker.
Half-life, in each label's words: Clonidine, “Following intravenous administration, clonidine displays biphasic disposition with a distribution half-life of about 20 …”; Metoprolol, “Elimination Elimination is mainly by biotransformation in the liver, and the plasma half-life ranges from approximately …”
Generics: clonidine since 1986; metoprolol since 1993 (Drugs@FDA).
| Clonidine | Metoprolol | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | High blood pressure, ADHD, Pain | High blood pressure, Angina, Heart failure, Heart attack and coronary artery disease |
| Pharmacologic class | Central alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist | beta-Adrenergic Blocker |
| How it works (label) | n/a | Metoprolol is a beta 1 -selective (cardioselective) adrenergic receptor blocking agent. |
| Half-life (label) | Following intravenous administration, clonidine displays biphasic disposition with a distribution half-life of about 20 minutes and an elimination half-life ranging from 12 to 16 hours. | Elimination Elimination is mainly by biotransformation in the liver, and the plasma half-life ranges from approximately 3 to 7 hours. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | September 3, 1974 | August 7, 1978 |
| First generic approved | July 1, 1986 | December 21, 1993 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 43 labelers | 74 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0241 per tablet (Clonidine HCl 0.1 mg tablet) | $0.085 per tablet (Metoprolol succ ER 100 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -3% | -8% |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | A presentation being discontinued |
| Recalls recorded | 16 | 39 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 57,116 | 353,609 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
Do their labels mention each other?
Metoprolol label, drug interactionsDRUG INTERACTIONS Catecholamine-depleting drugs may have an additive effect when given with beta-blocking agents. ( 7.1 ) CYP2D6 Inhibitors are likely to increase metoprolol concentration. ( 7.2 ) Beta-blockers including metoprolol, may exacerbate the rebound hypertension that can follow the withdrawal of clonidine.
Metoprolol label, warnings and precautionsWorsening cardiac failure may occur. ( 5.2 ) Bronchospastic Disease: Avoid beta-blockers. ( 5.3 ) Concomitant use of glycosides, clonidine, diltiazem and verapamil with beta-blockers can increase the risk of bradycardia.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to clonidine
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions