Key takeaways
Exforge (amlodipine/valsartan) and Zestoretic (lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide) are both combination medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they work in different ways. Exforge combines amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker (CCB), with valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Zestoretic, on the other hand, combines lisinopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. One key difference is that Exforge can cause swelling in the arms and legs, while Zestoretic can cause a dry cough due to the ACE inhibitor component. Both medications are taken once daily and are not safe for use during pregnancy. Additionally, Zestoretic may make you urinate more often, whereas Exforge does not have this effect. Both medications require regular monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function.
