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Compare Enalapril vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

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

Key takeaways

Enalapril (Vasotec) and Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they work in different ways and belong to different drug classes. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels by blocking a protein called ACE, while Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill) that helps you urinate more to remove extra water and certain electrolytes from your body. Enalapril is also approved for treating heart failure, whereas Hydrochlorothiazide is used to reduce swelling from fluid buildup (edema), including edema caused by heart failure. Enalapril can be taken by children as young as 1 month old for high blood pressure, but Hydrochlorothiazide is typically used in adults. Common side effects of Enalapril include tiredness, dizziness, and cough, while Hydrochlorothiazide can cause dizziness, increased urination, and sensitivity to sunlight. Additionally, Enalapril is not safe to use during pregnancy, and Hydrochlorothiazide must be used with caution in people with severe kidney or liver problems.

  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Hydrochlorothiazide
  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Hydrochlorothiazide

  • Summary of Enalapril vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    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

    Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic or water pill. It helps lower blood pressure. It also helps with swelling from fluid buildup (edema) caused by some health conditions, like heart failure and kidney problems. People of all ages can take hydrochlorothiazide tablets and capsules. But children typically take much smaller, weight-based doses. You typically take your dose by mouth once (sometimes twice) daily, but avoid nighttime dosing so you won't wake up to urinate. Some common side effects are dizziness and urinating more often.

  • Indications of Enalapril vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Swelling in the body from fluid buildup (edema)

  • Pros and Cons of Enalapril vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    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
    •Helps getting rid of extra fluid in your body
    •A first-choice treatment option if you have high blood pressure or heart failure
    •Dose can be adjusted based on how well it's working for you
    Cons
    •Can make you urinate more often
    •Can cause electrolytes and fluid levels to be out of balance, which can be dangerous
    •Might not be a good option for people with a sulfa allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Enalapril vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling tired (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Headache
    •Blurry vision
    •Low blood pressure
    •Change in electrolyte levels

  • Warnings of Enalapril vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    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
    •Low fluid and electrolyte levels in the body
    •Possibly higher calcium levels
    •Higher blood sugar
    •Risk of gout
    •Risk of vision problems and glaucoma
    •Use with caution in people with kidney problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Enalapril vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

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    Learn more about Hydrochlorothiazide

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