Enalapril vs. Mavik for Heart Failure and Hypertension: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Enalapril (Vasotec) and Trandolapril (Mavik) are both ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, but they have some differences. Enalapril is available in both brand and generic forms, while Trandolapril is only available as a generic since the brand Mavik has been discontinued. Enalapril can be taken by children as young as 1 month old for high blood pressure, whereas Trandolapril is not specified for pediatric use. Enalapril is typically taken once or twice daily, while Trandolapril is usually taken once daily. Both medications can cause a dry cough and dizziness. Additionally, Trandolapril is specifically approved for lowering the risk of death and hospitalization in people with heart failure after a heart attack, while Enalapril does not have this specific indication. Both medications should not be used during pregnancy due to the risk of harm to the unborn baby.

Enalapril

(Vasotec)

Get free coupons

Trandolapril

Get free coupons

Summary for Enalapril

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.

Indications for Enalapril

High blood pressure
Heart failure

Pros and Cons for Enalapril

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

Common Side Effects for Enalapril

Feeling tired (3%)

Warnings for Enalapril

Not for use during pregnancy
Angioedema (swelling)
Low blood pressure
Worsening kidney problems
Heart problems due to high potassium
Liver problems

Summary for Mavik

Prescription only

Trandolapril is a prescription medication that's used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It's also used to lower the risk of death and hospitalization in people with heart failure after a heart attack. Trandolapril is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Although the brand name for this medication (Mavik) has been discontinued, trandolapril is available as a lower-cost generic tablet. Common side effects include dry cough and dizziness.

Indications for Mavik

Treatment of high blood pressure
Lowering the risk of death and hospitalization in people with certain types of heart failure after a recent heart attack

Pros and Cons for Mavik

Pros

Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Only taken once a day
Can help protect the kidneys in people with diabetes and high blood pressure

Cons

More likely to cause dry cough compared to angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
Can’t take while pregnant
Requires regular blood work to make sure your kidneys are healthy

Common Side Effects for Mavik

Cough (35%)
Dizziness (23%)
Higher uric acid levels (15%)
Low blood pressure (11%)

Please note: The side effects above were reported by people taking this medication to lower the risk of death and hospitalization in certain heart failures after recent heart attack.