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Compare Capoten vs. Zestril

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

Key takeaways

Captopril (Capoten) and lisinopril (Zestril) are both ACE inhibitor medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. They also help improve survival after a heart attack. However, there are some differences between them. Captopril is taken two to three times a day on an empty stomach, while lisinopril is usually taken once daily and can be taken with or without food. Captopril is only available as a generic tablet, whereas lisinopril is available as both a tablet and an oral solution. Lisinopril can be used in children as young as 6 years old for high blood pressure, but captopril is typically prescribed for adults. Common side effects of both medications include a dry cough and dizziness, but lisinopril may be more likely to cause headaches. Both medications should not be taken with NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). Both medications are also not recommended during pregnancy.

  • Captopril
    Lisinopril (Zestril)
  • Captopril
    Lisinopril (Zestril)

  • Summary of Capoten vs. Zestril

    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

    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 Capoten vs. Zestril

    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
    •Lower the risk for death after a heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Capoten vs. Zestril

    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
    •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 Capoten vs. Zestril

    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 19%)
    •Low blood pressure (7-11%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (7-10%)
    •Headache (6%)

  • Warnings of Capoten vs. Zestril

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Capoten vs. Zestril

    Learn more about Captopril
    Learn more about Lisinopril

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