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Compare Enalapril vs. Diovan

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

Key takeaways

Enalapril (Vasotec) and Valsartan (Diovan) are both used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, but they belong to different medication classes. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor, while Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). One key difference is that Enalapril can cause a dry cough, a common side effect of ACE inhibitors, whereas Valsartan is less likely to cause this issue. Valsartan is also approved to lower the risk of death after a heart attack, which is not an approved use for Enalapril. Both medications are available in generic forms and can be taken by children, but the age range differs slightly. Enalapril can be given to children as young as 1 month old, while Valsartan is for children aged 1 year and older. Additionally, both medications can cause high potassium levels and kidney problems, but they work in different ways to lower blood pressure.

  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Valsartan (Diovan)
  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Valsartan (Diovan)

  • Summary of Enalapril vs. Diovan

    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

    Valsartan, also known by its brand name, Diovan, is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It's used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children. It's also used to lower the risk of serious heart-related problems in adults with heart failure or in adults after a heart attack. Valsartan (Diovan) is available as a lower-cost generic and comes as a tablet and liquid. The dosage depends on your condition, but it's typically taken by mouth once or twice per day. Potential side effects of valsartan (Diovan) include dizziness and fatigue.

  • Indications of Enalapril vs. Diovan

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults and children
    •Lower the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults
    •Lower the risk of death after a heart attack in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Enalapril vs. Diovan

    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 medication for high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart attack for many people
    •Taken typically once per day, but sometimes twice per day
    •Available as a tablet and a liquid
    •Can be used in children
    Cons
    •Takes about 2-4 weeks to see full benefits of valsartan (Diovan) for high blood pressure
    •Might not work as well for Black people
    •Not safe to use during pregnancy
    •Can raise potassium levels

  • Common Side Effects of Enalapril vs. Diovan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling tired (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 8%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by adults who took valsartan for high blood pressure.

  • Warnings of Enalapril vs. Diovan

    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
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Enalapril vs. Diovan

    Learn more about Enalapril
    Learn more about Valsartan

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