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Compare Capoten vs. Diovan

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

Key takeaways

Captopril (Capoten) and Valsartan (Diovan) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. But they have some important differences. Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, while Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Captopril is also used to prevent kidney problems in people with diabetes, which is not an approved use for Valsartan. Captopril is taken two to three times a day on an empty stomach, whereas Valsartan 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 in tablet form, while Valsartan comes in both tablet and liquid forms. Common side effects of captopril include a dry cough and changes in taste, while valsartan may cause dizziness and fatigue. Both medications can raise potassium levels, but valsartan is less likely to cause a cough compared to captopril. Additionally, both medications are not recommended during pregnancy.

  • Captopril
    Valsartan (Diovan)
  • Captopril
    Valsartan (Diovan)

  • Summary of Capoten vs. Diovan

    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 ARB
    Prescription only

    Valsartan, also known by its brand name, Diovan, is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It's used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children. It's also used to lower the risk of serious heart-related problems in adults with heart failure or in adults after a heart attack. Valsartan (Diovan) is available as a lower-cost generic and comes as a tablet and liquid. The dosage depends on your condition, but it's typically taken by mouth once or twice per day. Potential side effects of valsartan (Diovan) include dizziness and fatigue.

  • Indications of Capoten vs. Diovan

    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 in adults and children
    •Lower the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults
    •Lower the risk of death after a heart attack in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Capoten vs. Diovan

    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 ARB
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart attack for many people
    •Taken typically once per day, but sometimes twice per day
    •Available as a tablet and a liquid
    •Can be used in children
    Cons
    •Takes about 2-4 weeks to see full benefits of valsartan (Diovan) for high blood pressure
    •Might not work as well for Black people
    •Not safe to use during pregnancy
    •Can raise potassium levels

  • Common Side Effects of Capoten vs. Diovan

    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
    •Dizziness (up to 8%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by adults who took valsartan for high blood pressure.

  • Warnings of Capoten vs. Diovan

    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
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Capoten vs. Diovan

    Learn more about Captopril
    Learn more about Valsartan

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