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Enalapril vs. Altace

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

Key takeaways

Enalapril (Vasotec) and Ramipril (Altace) are both ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Both Ramipril and Enalapril are available in both brand and generic forms. Enalapril can be taken by children as young as 1 month old for high blood pressure, whereas Ramipril is only for adults. Both medications can cause a dry cough. Enalapril is taken once or twice daily, and Ramipril is also taken once or twice daily, depending on the dose. Both medications can cause dizziness and tiredness, but Ramipril can also cause headaches. Neither medication should be used during pregnancy due to the risk of harm to the unborn baby.

Enalapril

(Vasotec)

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Ramipril

 

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Summary for Enalapril

Prescription only

Enalapril (Vasotec) is a first-choice medication used for treating high blood pressure. It's also approved for heart failure. Enalapril (Vasotec) belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It's taken by mouth, once or twice daily. Enalapril (Vasotec) doesn't cause many side effects, but some include tiredness, dizziness, and cough.

Indications for Enalapril

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart failure

Pros and Cons for Enalapril

Pros

  • A first-choice blood pressure lowering medication for many people
  • Taken by mouth
  • Can be taken by children as young as 1 month old (high blood pressure only)
  • Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills

Cons

Common Side Effects for Enalapril

  • Feeling tired (3%)

Warnings for Enalapril

  • Not for use during pregnancy
  • Angioedema (swelling)
  • Low blood pressure
  • Worsening kidney problems
  • Heart problems due to high potassium
  • Liver problems

Summary for Altace

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 for Altace

Pros and Cons for Altace

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

Common Side Effects for Altace

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 for Altace

  • 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 Enalapril vs. Altace

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Enalapril60 tablets / 20mg
$17.20$53.10
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Ramipril90 capsules / 10mg
$10.00$10.00
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