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Compare Amlodipine vs. Losartan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Amlodipine (Norvasc) and losartan (Cozaar) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure. However, they belong to different medication classes. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB), while losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Amlodipine is also used for coronary artery disease, whereas losartan can lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure and thickened heart walls, and it can slow kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes. Amlodipine is typically taken once daily in doses ranging from 5 mg to 10 mg, and it is available in both tablet and liquid forms. Losartan is also taken once daily, with doses starting at 50 mg and going up to 100 mg, but it is only available as an oral tablet. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of amlodipine include swelling in the hands and feet and tiredness, while losartan may cause dizziness and upper respiratory infections. Losartan can interact with medications like NSAIDs and lithium.

Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Losartan (Cozaar)
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Losartan (Cozaar)
Summary of Amlodipine vs. Losartan
Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
Prescription only
Amlodipine tablets, also known as the brand name Norvasc, help treat high blood pressure in adults and children. It can also help with coronary artery disease, including related angina or chest pain. This medication belongs to the drug class called calcium channel blockers. The tablets are taken by mouth once a day. Some side effects can include tiredness and swelling of the hands and feet.
Summary for ARB
Prescription only
Losartan, also known by the brand name Cozaar, is a first-choice medication that's used to lower blood pressure. It's also shown to protect against stroke in certain people. In addition, this medication can slow down the worsening of kidney problems in certain people with diabetes. Losartan (Cozaar) belongs to the drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). This medication is taken by mouth once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, and upper respiratory infections.
Indications of Amlodipine vs. Losartan
Indications for

•High blood pressure

•Coronary artery disease, including some types of chest pain (angina)

Indications for

•High blood pressure

•Lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure who have a thickened heart (left ventricular hypertrophy)

•Slow down the worsening of kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
Pros and Cons of Amlodipine vs. Losartan
Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
Pros

•A first-choice option for high blood pressure

•Taken just once daily

•Can take with or without food

Cons

•Can cause swelling in the legs

•Can cause dizziness, so it can raise the risk of falls

•Might need dose adjustments for people with liver problems to keep them safe

Pros and Const for ARB
Pros

•A first-choice blood pressure medication, including for those with heart failure, diabetes, and kidney problems

•Taken once per day

•Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old

•Works similarly to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but with fewer side effects, like cough and swelling

Cons

•Might cause dizziness

•Might not work as well for Black people as other blood pressure medications do

•Not safe to use during pregnancy

•Can interact with medications like lithium and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Common Side Effects of Amlodipine vs. Losartan
Common Side Effects for

•Tiredness (5%)

•Nausea (3%)

Common Side Effects for

•Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)

•Dizziness (3%)

•Stuffy nose (2%)

•Back pain (2%)
Warnings of Amlodipine vs. Losartan
Common Side Effects for

•Low blood pressure

•Worsening chest pain and risk of heart attack

Common Side Effects for

•Harm to unborn baby

•Low blood pressure

•Kidney damage

•High potassium levels
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Compare Amlodipine vs. Losartan

Key takeaways

Summary of Amlodipine vs. Losartan

Indications of Amlodipine vs. Losartan

Pros and Cons of Amlodipine vs. Losartan

Common Side Effects of Amlodipine vs. Losartan

Warnings of Amlodipine vs. Losartan

Prices with our coupons for Amlodipine vs. Losartan

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