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Compare Atacand vs. Altace

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

Key takeaways

Candesartan (Atacand) and ramipril (Altace) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different classes. Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), while ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Both medications work by relaxing blood vessels, but they do so in different ways. Candesartan blocks the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels, whereas ramipril blocks a protein in your body that tightens blood vessels. Candesartan is available in both brand and generic forms, while ramipril is only available as a generic. Ramipril can cause a dry cough, which is less common with candesartan. Both medications can cause dizziness and high potassium levels, and neither should be used during pregnancy. Candesartan can be used in children, but ramipril is for adults only.

drug combination

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  • Candesartan (Atacand)
    Ramipril
  • Candesartan (Atacand)
    Ramipril

  • Summary of Atacand vs. Altace

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Candesartan (Atacand) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It's one of the first-choice medication for treating high blood pressure in adults and children. It can also help lower the risk of worsening heart failure in adults. Candesartan (Atacand) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. Most people don't experience many side effects while taking this medication, but some can include upper respiratory tract infections, headache, and back pain.

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. This medication treats high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. It can also ease heart failure symptoms after a heart attack. Ramipril is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily, by adults. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include headache, dizziness, and feeling tired. Ramipril is generic only because the brand name Altace is no longer available.

  • Indications of Atacand vs. Altace

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults and children
    •Lower the risk of worsening heart failure in adults
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure after heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Atacand vs. Altace

    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •First-choice medication for high blood pressure
    •Works similarly to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but with fewer side effects, like cough and swelling
    •Can be made into an oral suspension for people who have trouble taking tablets
    •A possible option for children
    Cons
    •Must be avoided during pregnancy
    •Interacts with NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil)
    •Can take 4-6 weeks before you notice the full benefit
    •Can raise potassium levels as a side effect
    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Capsules can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce or water for those with trouble swallowing
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •More likely to cause a dry cough, compared to ARBs
    •Not safe to use if you're pregnant
    •Might not work as well for lowering blood pressure in Black people

  • Common Side Effects of Atacand vs. Altace

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., common cold; 6%)
    •Dizziness (4%)
    •Back pain (3%)
    Common Side Effects for

    High blood pressure

    •Headache (5%)
    •Dizziness (2%)
    •Feeling tired or weak (2%)

    Heart failure after heart attack

    •Low blood pressure (11%)
    •Cough (8%)
    •Dizziness (4%)

  • Warnings of Atacand vs. Altace

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling)
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Liver problems
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •Lower blood cell counts
    •Low blood pressure
    •Heart problems due to high potassium
    •Cough

  • Prices with our coupons for Atacand vs. Altace

    Learn more about Candesartan
    Learn more about Ramipril

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