Compare Plendil vs. Zestoretic
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Felodipine ER and Zestoretic (lisinopril / hydrochlorothiazide) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure in adults. However, they belong to different medication classes. Felodipine ER is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) that works by relaxing blood vessels, while Zestoretic is a combination of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (lisinopril) and a diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide), which lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and removing extra fluid from the body. Felodipine ER is taken as a single medication, typically once daily, and is available as a generic. Zestoretic is also taken once daily and is available as a brand-name and generic combination pill. Common side effects of felodipine ER include swelling, headache, and flushing, while Zestoretic can cause dizziness, headache, and cough. Both medications can cause low blood pressure, but Zestoretic has additional risks like angioedema and kidney problems. Felodipine ER should not be taken with grapefruit, and Zestoretic should be used cautiously with certain other medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Felodipine er (Plendil)Zestoretic (lisinopril / hydrochlorothiazide)
- Felodipine er (Plendil)Zestoretic (lisinopril / hydrochlorothiazide)
Summary of Plendil vs. Zestoretic
Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)Prescription onlyFelodipine ER (Plendil) is a calcium channel blocker. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels. This medication is one of the first-choice options for treating high blood pressure in adults. It's taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some side effects of this medication include swelling, headache, and flushing. Brand name Plendil has been discontinued.
Summary for ACE inhibitor/Diuretic (water pill) comboPrescription onlyZestoretic is a combination blood pressure medication for adults. It contains lisinopril (an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic). It comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day. Your prescriber will determine your dosage based on how high your blood pressure is and if you're taking other blood pressure medications. Some of the more common side effects it can cause include dizziness, headache, and cough. Zestoretic (lisinopril / hydrochlorothiazide) is available as a generic.
Indications of Plendil vs. Zestoretic
Indications for•High blood pressure (hypertension)Indications for•High blood pressure in adultsPros and Cons of Plendil vs. Zestoretic
Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)Pros•Taken by mouth•Taken once daily•Available as a lower-cost generic medicationCons•Only available as a tablet•Not a good choice if you've heart failure•Not recommended in pregnancyPros and Const for ACE inhibitor/Diuretic (water pill) comboPros•Combines two medications in one pill•Taken by mouth•Taken once dailyCons•Can make you urinate more often•Might not be appropriate for someone with a sulfa allergy•Shouldn't take during pregnancy or breastfeedingCommon Side Effects of Plendil vs. Zestoretic
Common Side Effects for•Swelling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet (up to 17%)•Headache (up to 15%)•Flushing (up to 7%)Common Side Effects for•Dizziness (8%)•Headache (5%)•Cough (4%)•Extreme tiredness (4%)•Feeling lightheaded when standing after sitting or lying down (3%)Warnings of Plendil vs. Zestoretic
Common Side Effects for•Severely low blood pressure•Caution with heart failure•SwellingCommon Side Effects for•Not for use during pregnancy•Angioedema (swelling)•Low blood pressure•Kidney damage•Changes in electrolyte, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels•Vision problems•LupusPrices with our coupons for Plendil vs. Zestoretic
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.