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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 water pill that helps to lower blood pressure and ease swelling from fluid (edema) caused by many health conditions, such as heart failure and kidney problems. Typically, you take hydrochlorothiazide by mouth once (sometimes twice) daily. Some common side effects of hydrochlorothiazide include 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 fluids (edema), in addition to other medications

  • 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
    •Does a good job getting rid of extra fluids in your body
    •A first choice treatment option if you have high blood pressure and heart failure
    •Provider can adjust dose based on your response
    •Might protect against osteoporosis over time since it raises the body's level of calcium
    Cons
    •Makes you urinate more often
    •Must be used with caution in people with severe kidney or liver problems
    •Raises risk of gout attacks in people with poor kidney function or a history of gout
    •Can cause electrolytes and fluid levels to be out of balance, which can be dangerous

  • Common Side Effects of Enalapril vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling tired (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Skin more sensitive to sunlight
    •Temporary blurred vision
    •Headache
    •Low blood pressure
    •Electrolytes out of balance
    •Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection

  • 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
    •Vision problems
    •Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
    •Waste build up in body
    •Higher blood sugars
    •Gout
    •Allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Enalapril vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

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    Learn more about Hydrochlorothiazide

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