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Compare Atacand vs. Zestril

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

Key takeaways

Candesartan (Atacand) and lisinopril (Zestril) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, but they belong to different classes. Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), while lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Candesartan works by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, a hormone that raises blood pressure, whereas lisinopril blocks a protein that tightens blood vessels. One key difference is that lisinopril is more likely to cause a dry cough, a common side effect of ACE inhibitors. Both medications are taken orally, but lisinopril is available as both a tablet and a liquid, making it a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills. Additionally, both medications should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby and are available in lower-cost generic forms.

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  • Candesartan (Atacand)
    Lisinopril (Zestril)
  • Candesartan (Atacand)
    Lisinopril (Zestril)

  • Summary of Atacand vs. Zestril

    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

    Lisinopril (Zestril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that's a first-choice medication used for lowering blood pressure. It's also approved to treat symptoms of heart failure and also to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Lisinopril (Zestril) is a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once daily. It's also available as an oral solution. Some common side effects of this medication include cough, dizziness, and headache.

  • Indications of Atacand vs. Zestril

    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
    •Lower the risk for death after a heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Atacand vs. Zestril

    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
    •A first-choice blood pressure medication
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old for treatment of high blood pressure
    •Available as a liquid (Qbrelis), good option for people who've difficulty swallowing tablets
    Cons
    •More likely to cause a dry cough, compared to ARBs
    •Can't be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Might not work as well for lowering high blood pressure in black people

  • Common Side Effects of Atacand vs. Zestril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., common cold; 6%)
    •Dizziness (4%)
    •Back pain (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Low blood pressure (7-11%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (7-10%)
    •Headache (6%)

  • Warnings of Atacand vs. Zestril

    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)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •Heart problems due to high potassium
    •Liver problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Atacand vs. Zestril

    Learn more about Candesartan
    Learn more about Lisinopril

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