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Compare Cozaar vs. Zestril

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

Key takeaways

Losartan (Cozaar) and lisinopril (Zestril) are both medications used to lower high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), while lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Both medications help relax blood vessels, but they do so in slightly different ways. Losartan is also used to lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure and a thickened heart (left ventricular hypertrophy), and to slow kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes. Lisinopril, on the other hand, is approved to treat heart failure and reduce the risk of death after a heart attack. Losartan is typically taken as a tablet once daily, while lisinopril is available as both a tablet and a liquid and is also usually taken once daily. Common side effects of losartan include dizziness and upper respiratory infections, whereas lisinopril can cause a dry cough and dizziness. Both medications can raise potassium levels and affect kidney function, so it's important to monitor these during treatment. Additionally, neither medication is safe to use during pregnancy.

  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Lisinopril (Zestril)
  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Lisinopril (Zestril)

  • Summary of Cozaar vs. Zestril

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Losartan, also known by the brand name Cozaar, is a first-choice medication that's used to lower blood pressure. It's also shown to protect against stroke in certain people. In addition, this medication can slow down the worsening of kidney problems in certain people with diabetes. Losartan (Cozaar) belongs to the drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). This medication is taken by mouth once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, and upper respiratory infections.

    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 Cozaar vs. Zestril

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure who have a thickened heart (left ventricular hypertrophy)
    •Slow down the worsening of kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    •Lower the risk for death after a heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Cozaar vs. Zestril

    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •A first-choice blood pressure medication, including for those with heart failure, diabetes, and kidney problems
    •Taken once per day
    •Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old
    •Works similarly to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but with fewer side effects, like cough and swelling
    Cons
    •Might cause dizziness
    •Might not work as well for Black people as other blood pressure medications do
    •Not safe to use during pregnancy
    •Can interact with medications like lithium and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
    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 Cozaar vs. Zestril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Stuffy nose (2%)
    •Back pain (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Low blood pressure (7-11%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (7-10%)
    •Headache (6%)

  • Warnings of Cozaar 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 Cozaar vs. Zestril

    Learn more about Losartan
    Learn more about Lisinopril

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