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Compare Enalapril vs. Benicar

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

Key takeaways

Enalapril (Vasotec) and Olmesartan (Benicar) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor, while Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Enalapril is also approved to treat heart failure, whereas Olmesartan is not FDA approved for this use. Enalapril is taken once or twice daily, while olmesartan is typically taken once a day. One notable side effect of enalapril is a dry cough, which is less common with olmesartan. Both medications can cause dizziness and high potassium levels, but olmesartan has a rare risk of severe diarrhea. Enalapril can be given to children as young as 1 month old, while olmesartan is only approved for children 6 years and older. Neither medication should be used during pregnancy.

  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Olmesartan (Benicar)
  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Olmesartan (Benicar)

  • Summary of Enalapril vs. Benicar

    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

    Olmesartan medoxomil (Benicar) is a medication that lowers blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It's an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) and works mainly by widening and relaxing your blood vessels to lower pressure. This medication is taken by mouth, typically once per day. People don't usually experience much side effects from olmesartan (Benicar), though some people have reported mild and temporary dizziness.

  • Indications of Enalapril vs. Benicar

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Enalapril vs. Benicar

    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
    •A first-choice blood pressure medication
    •Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old
    •Taken once per day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Takes about 2 weeks to see full benefits of olmesartan (Benicar)
    •Not a good option for certain people with kidney problems
    •Not safe to use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Enalapril vs. Benicar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling tired (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (3%)

  • Warnings of Enalapril vs. Benicar

    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 babies
    •Low blood pressure (in people who are dehydrated)
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •High potassium levels
    •Severe diarrhea (sprue-like enteropathy)

  • Prices with our coupons for Enalapril vs. Benicar

    Learn more about Enalapril
    Learn more about Olmesartan

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