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Compare Lisinopril vs. Atenolol

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

Key takeaways

Lisinopril (Zestril) and atenolol (Tenormin) are both used to treat high blood pressure and to lower the risk of death after a heart attack, but they belong to different classes of medications and work in different ways. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels by blocking a protein called ACE, while Atenolol is a beta-blocker that slows down the heart rate, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. Lisinopril is also used to treat heart failure, whereas Atenolol is used to treat chest pain (angina). Lisinopril is available as a tablet and a liquid, making it a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills, while Atenolol is only available as a tablet. Common side effects of Lisinopril include cough, dizziness, and headache, whereas Atenolol can cause tiredness, dizziness, and cold hands and feet. Both medications are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Atenolol (Tenormin)
  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Atenolol (Tenormin)

  • Summary of Lisinopril vs. Atenolol

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Lisinopril (Zestril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, or ACE inhibitor. It's used to treat high blood pressure in people 6 years and older. In adults, it's also approved to manage heart failure and to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Lisinopril (Zestril) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once daily. There's also an oral solution available under the brand name Qbrelis. Some side effects include dizziness, cough, and headache.

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Atenolol (Tenormin) is a cardioselective beta-blocker that's used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. It's also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Atenolol (Tenormin) works by slowing down heart rate and making it easier for your heart to pump blood. Atenolol (Tenormin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some common side effects of this medication include dizziness, feeling tired, and having cold hands and feet.

  • Indications of Lisinopril vs. Atenolol

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in people ages 6 years and older
    •Heart failure in adults
    •Lowering the risk of death after a heart attack in adults
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chest pain (stable angina)
    •Lower risk of death after heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Lisinopril vs. Atenolol

    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •A first-choice medication for high blood pressure
    •Also helpful for heart failure and after a heart attack
    •Okay for children as young as 6 years old to take to treat high blood pressure
    Cons
    •More likely to cause dry cough than ARBs
    •Can make you feel dizzy, especially at first
    •Might not work as well for lowering blood pressure in Black people
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •A first-choice treatment to prevent chest pains (angina)
    •Lower risk of wheezing and breathing problems compared to non-selective beta blockers
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Can hide some symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Stopping treatment suddenly can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke

  • Common Side Effects of Lisinopril vs. Atenolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Low blood pressure (up to 11%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (up to 10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling tired (up to 26%)
    •Dizziness (up to 13%)
    •Cold hands and feet (up to 12%)
    •Feeling depressed (up to 12%)
    •Trouble catching your breath (up to 6%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by people who took atenolol for high blood pressure

  • Warnings of Lisinopril vs. Atenolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to an unborn baby
    •Angioedema (swelling)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Possible worsening of kidney problems
    •High potassium levels
    •Liver problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening chest pain, heart attacks, and irregular heartbeat
    •Heart failure
    •Risk of difficulty breathing
    •Greater risk during surgery
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Risk of heart block (medication interaction)
    •Risk of harm to unborn and breastfed babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Lisinopril vs. Atenolol

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    Learn more about Atenolol

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