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Compare Lisinopril vs. Avapro

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

Key takeaways

Lisinopril (Zestril) and Irbesartan (Avapro) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes. Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, while irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Both medications help relax blood vessels, but they do so in different ways. Lisinopril is also used to treat heart failure and reduce the risk of death after a heart attack, whereas irbesartan is specifically used to slow the worsening of kidney disease in people with diabetes. Lisinopril is more likely to cause a dry cough, a common side effect of ACE inhibitors, while irbesartan is less likely to cause this issue. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable. However, neither should be used during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby.

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  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Irbesartan (Avapro)
  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Irbesartan (Avapro)

  • Summary of Lisinopril vs. Avapro

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Lisinopril (Zestril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that's a first-choice medication used for lowering blood pressure. It's also approved to treat symptoms of heart failure and also to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Lisinopril (Zestril) is a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once daily. It's also available as an oral solution. Some common side effects of this medication include cough, dizziness, and headache.

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Irbesartan (Avapro) is a medication that's used to treat high blood pressure; it's also used to treat diabetic kidney disease. It's a part of a drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB). The dosage for irbesartan (Avapro) can differ if you've kidney problems or are taking diuretics ("water pills"). Common side effects include dizziness and tiredness. Irbesartan (Avapro) is available in both brand name (Avapro) and generic tablet.

  • Indications of Lisinopril vs. Avapro

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    •Lower the risk for death after a heart attack
    Indications for
    •Treatment of high blood pressure
    •Slow the worsening of kidney disease from diabetes

  • Pros and Cons of Lisinopril vs. Avapro

    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •A first-choice blood pressure medication
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old for treatment of high blood pressure
    •Available as a liquid (Qbrelis), good option for people who've difficulty swallowing tablets
    Cons
    •More likely to cause a dry cough, compared to ARBs
    •Can't be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Might not work as well for lowering high blood pressure in black people
    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Typically taken once a day
    •Less likely to cause dry cough compared to ACE Inhibitors
    Cons
    •Not safe for use while pregnant
    •High risk of raising potassium levels
    •Requires regular blood work to make sure your kidneys are healthy

  • Common Side Effects of Lisinopril vs. Avapro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Low blood pressure (7-11%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (7-10%)
    •Headache (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 10%)
    •Low blood pressure when going from sitting to standing position (5%)
    •Feeling tired (4%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Heartburn (2%)

    Please note: People who took irbesartan (Avapro) for high blood pressure were more likely to experience tiredness, diarrhea, and heartburn. People who took this medication for diabetic kidney disease were more likely to experience dizziness.

  • Warnings of Lisinopril vs. Avapro

    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
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •High levels of potassium

  • Prices with our coupons for Lisinopril vs. Avapro

    Learn more about Lisinopril
    Learn more about Irbesartan

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