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Compare Enalapril vs. Losartan

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

Key takeaways

Enalapril (Vasotec) and Losartan (Cozaar) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes. Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, while Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Enalapril is also approved for treating heart failure, whereas Losartan can lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure and a thickened heart, and it can slow down kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes. Enalapril is typically taken once or twice daily, while Losartan is usually taken once daily. One key difference is that Enalapril is more likely to cause a dry cough, a common side effect of ACE inhibitors, whereas Losartan is less likely to cause this issue. Both medications are not safe to use during pregnancy and can cause high potassium levels and kidney problems. Both Enalapril and Losartan are available as a lower-cost generic.

  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Losartan (Cozaar)
  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Losartan (Cozaar)

  • Summary of Enalapril vs. Losartan

    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

    Losartan, also known by the brand name Cozaar, is a first-choice medication that's used to lower blood pressure. It's also shown to protect against stroke in certain people. In addition, this medication can slow down the worsening of kidney problems in certain people with diabetes. Losartan (Cozaar) belongs to the drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). This medication is taken by mouth once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, and upper respiratory infections.

  • Indications of Enalapril vs. Losartan

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure who have a thickened heart (left ventricular hypertrophy)
    •Slow down the worsening of kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Enalapril vs. Losartan

    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, including for those with heart failure, diabetes, and kidney problems
    •Taken once per day
    •Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old
    •Works similarly to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but with fewer side effects, like cough and swelling
    Cons
    •Might cause dizziness
    •Might not work as well for Black people as other blood pressure medications do
    •Not safe to use during pregnancy
    •Can interact with medications like lithium and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

  • Common Side Effects of Enalapril vs. Losartan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling tired (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Stuffy nose (2%)
    •Back pain (2%)

  • Warnings of Enalapril vs. Losartan

    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. Losartan

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