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Compare Capoten vs. Altace

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

Key takeaways

Captopril (Capoten) and ramipril (Altace) are both ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. They work by relaxing blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure. Captopril is also used to prevent kidney problems in people with diabetes, which is not an approved use for ramipril. Captopril is taken two to three times a day on an empty stomach, while ramipril is usually taken once or twice a day and can be taken with or without food. Both medications are available as generics, but captopril is only available as a tablet, whereas ramipril comes in a capsule that can be opened and mixed with food or liquid. Side effects of both medications include a dry cough and dizziness, and both may rarely cause angioedema. Both medications can cause high potassium levels and should not be taken with certain other medications, like NSAIDs, due to potential kidney problems. Neither medication is recommended during pregnancy.

  • Captopril
    Ramipril
  • Captopril
    Ramipril

  • Summary of Capoten vs. Altace

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It's used in adults to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and to prevent the worsening of kidney problems in people who have diabetes. Captopril is available as a tablet that's taken by mouth two to three times per day. Your healthcare team will help determine your dose based on different factors, such as how high your blood pressure is and what other medications you're taking. Side effects include a dry cough, changes in taste, and dizziness. Brand name Capoten has been discontinued; captopril is only available as a generic medication.

    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 Capoten vs. Altace

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure (in combination with other medications)
    •Improve survival after heart attack in people who have heart failure
    •Prevent worsening kidney problems in people who have diabetes (diabetic nephropathy)
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure after heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Capoten vs. Altace

    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for lowering blood pressure for many people
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Taken two to three times per day
    •Need to take on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals
    •Can't take during pregnancy
    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 Capoten vs. Altace

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin rash (up to 7%)
    •Changes in taste (up to 4%)
    •Dry cough (up to 2%)
    •Itching (2%)
    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 Capoten vs. Altace

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling) and serious allergic reactions
    •Risk of infection (lower white blood cell count)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •High potassium levels
    •Risk of liver problems
    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 Capoten vs. Altace

    Learn more about Captopril
    Learn more about Ramipril

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