Enalapril vs. Avapro for Hypertension: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

Get free coupons

Irbesartan

(Avapro)

Get free coupons

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

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

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 Avapro

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 for Avapro

Treatment of high blood pressure
Slow the worsening of kidney disease from diabetes

Pros and Cons for Avapro

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 for Avapro

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.