dronedarone vs metoprolol
PlainMeds reviewed this comparison against our methodology in August 2026. It places FDA and CMS record fields side by side, without recommending either medication.
Side-by-side comparison of dronedarone and metoprolol. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
minor Known Drug Interaction
Beta-Blockers and Other CYP2D6 Substrates Dronedarone increased the exposure of propranolol and metoprolol.
Multaq
Lopressor, Toprol-XL
Multaq is a medicine that helps lower the risk of needing to stay in the hospital for atrial fibrillation (AFib). It is for people who have a history of AFib and are currently in normal heart rhythm.
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker medicine. It can lower blood pressure, reduce chest pain, and improve survival after a heart attack.
Multaq is used to lower the risk of hospitalization if you have atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib is an irregular heartbeat. This medicine is for people who used to have AFib, but are now in a normal heart rhythm.
Metoprolol treats high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks. It also treats chest pain called angina. After a heart attack, it can help you live longer.
Multaq is an antiarrhythmic drug. It works by changing the electrical signals in the heart. This helps to keep your heart in a normal rhythm and prevent AFib from returning.
Metoprolol blocks the effects of adrenaline on the heart. This makes the heart beat slower and with less force. As a result, blood pressure is lowered and the heart does not need as much oxygen.
- • Diarrhea
- • Nausea
- • Abdominal pain
- • Vomiting
- • Feeling weak or tired
- • Tiredness
- • Dizziness
- • Depression
- • Shortness of breath
- • Slow heart rate
- Atrial Fibrillation 1,420
- Dyspnoea 838
- Fatigue 615
- Diarrhoea 477
- Nausea 472
- Fatigue 15,966
- Dyspnoea 14,128
- Diarrhoea 13,635
- Nausea 13,398
- Dizziness 11,699
Multaq can increase the risk of death, stroke, and heart failure in patients with severe heart failure or permanent AFib. You should not take this medicine if you have severe heart failure that recently required hospitalization or if you have permanent AFib and will not be converted to a normal heart rhythm.
Stopping metoprolol suddenly can make chest pain worse or cause a heart attack. If you have heart failure, it could get worse. If you have asthma or other lung problems, avoid beta-blockers if possible.
Multaq can harm an unborn baby. If you are a woman who could become pregnant, use effective birth control while taking Multaq. Do not breastfeed while taking Multaq and for 5 days after your last dose.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Metoprolol can cross the placenta, and may cause low blood pressure, low blood sugar, and a slow heart rate in the newborn. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
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How to Read This dronedarone vs metoprolol Comparison
dronedarone is classified in the Class III Antiarrhythmic drug class, while metoprolol sits within the Beta-Blocker class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, dronedarone has 3,822 submissions while metoprolol has 68,826. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known minor interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to dronedarone makes it harder for the body to process metoprolol. this causes the amount of metoprolol in your blood to go up.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot represent individual circumstances. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This registry does not provide medical, treatment, substitution, or medication-change directions for dronedarone or metoprolol.
Registry boundary: This comparison displays source-record fields and does not provide individualized medical direction.