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Compare Enalapril vs. Chlorthalidone

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

Key takeaways

Enalapril (Vasotec) and Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes and work in different ways. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels by blocking a protein, while Chlorthalidone is a diuretic (water pill) that helps you urinate more to remove extra water and certain electrolytes. Enalapril is also approved for heart failure, whereas Chlorthalidone is used to relieve swelling from conditions like heart failure, kidney problems, and liver problems. Enalapril can be taken by children as young as 1 month old, but Chlorthalidone is typically prescribed for adults. Common side effects of Enalapril include tiredness, dizziness, and cough, while Chlorthalidone often causes more frequent urination, dizziness, and headache. Enalapril is not safe during pregnancy, and Chlorthalidone can cause electrolyte imbalances and is not recommended for people with a sulfa allergy.

  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Chlorthalidone (Thalitone)
  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Chlorthalidone (Thalitone)

  • Summary of Enalapril vs. Chlorthalidone

    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 Diuretic (water pill)
    Prescription only

    Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) is a diuretic (water pill) that's taken by mouth, typically once daily, to treat high blood pressure. It can be taken alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications. It's also used along with other medications to relieve swelling in people who have certain conditions, like heart failure. Chlorthalidone (Thalitone) is available as a brand name and generic tablet. Some common side effects of this medication include needing to urinate more, dizziness, and headache.

  • Indications of Enalapril vs. Chlorthalidone

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    Indications for
    •Hypertension (high blood pressure)
    •Swelling from fluids (edema) caused by heart failure, kidney problems, liver problems, or corticosteroid and estrogen therapy

  • Pros and Cons of Enalapril vs. Chlorthalidone

    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 Diuretic (water pill)
    Pros
    •Works well to get rid of extra fluids in your body
    •A good blood pressure treatment for people who haven't responded well to other thiazide diuretics
    •Works especially well for Black people
    •Good option if you have both high blood pressure and heart failure
    •Can be good for people with osteoporosis since it raises the body's level of calcium
    Cons
    •Makes you urinate more often
    •Doesn't work well in people with severe kidney problems
    •Works longer in the body than other thiazide diuretics, so might have a higher chance of causing electrolyte-related side effects
    •Can lead to more gouty attacks in people with gout
    •Not a good option if you have a sulfa allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Enalapril vs. Chlorthalidone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling tired (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Urinating more
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Sensitivity to the sun

  • Warnings of Enalapril vs. Chlorthalidone

    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
    •Electrolyte levels out of balance
    •Higher risk for gout attacks
    •Higher blood sugars
    •Waste build up due to kidney problems
    •Caution in people with liver problems
    •Dizziness

  • Prices with our coupons for Enalapril vs. Chlorthalidone

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