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Compare Enalapril vs. Avapro

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

Key takeaways

Enalapril (Vasotec) and Irbesartan (Avapro) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor, while Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Enalapril is also approved for treating heart failure, whereas Irbesartan is approved to slow the worsening of kidney disease from diabetes. Enalapril can be taken by children as young as 1 month old, but Irbesartan is typically prescribed for adults. One notable difference is that Enalapril is more likely to cause a dry cough, a common side effect of ACE inhibitors, while Irbesartan is less likely to cause this issue. Both medications can cause dizziness and tiredness, and neither should be used during pregnancy. Irbesartan is typically taken once a day, whereas Enalapril may need to be taken once or twice daily. Both Irbesartan and Enalapril are available as a lower-cost generic.

  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Irbesartan (Avapro)
  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Irbesartan (Avapro)

  • Summary of Enalapril vs. Avapro

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    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.

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Irbesartan (Avapro) is a medication that's used to treat high blood pressure; it's also used to treat diabetic kidney disease. It's a part of a drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB). The dosage for irbesartan (Avapro) can differ if you've kidney problems or are taking diuretics ("water pills"). Common side effects include dizziness and tiredness. Irbesartan (Avapro) is available in both brand name (Avapro) and generic tablet.

  • Indications of Enalapril vs. Avapro

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    Indications for
    •Treatment of high blood pressure
    •Slow the worsening of kidney disease from diabetes

  • Pros and Cons of Enalapril vs. Avapro

    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    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
    •More likely to cause a dry cough, compared to angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
    •Can't be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Might not work as well for lowering high blood pressure in black people
    •Need to take twice daily for heart failure
    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Typically taken once a day
    •Less likely to cause dry cough compared to ACE Inhibitors
    Cons
    •Not safe for use while pregnant
    •High risk of raising potassium levels
    •Requires regular blood work to make sure your kidneys are healthy

  • Common Side Effects of Enalapril vs. Avapro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling tired (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 10%)
    •Low blood pressure when going from sitting to standing position (5%)
    •Feeling tired (4%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Heartburn (2%)

    Please note: People who took irbesartan (Avapro) for high blood pressure were more likely to experience tiredness, diarrhea, and heartburn. People who took this medication for diabetic kidney disease were more likely to experience dizziness.

  • Warnings of Enalapril vs. Avapro

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •High levels of potassium

  • Prices with our coupons for Enalapril vs. Avapro

    Learn more about Enalapril
    Learn more about Irbesartan

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