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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.

Lisinopril

(Zestril)

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Irbesartan

(Avapro)

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Summary for Lisinopril

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.

Indications for Lisinopril

Pros and Cons for Lisinopril

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

Common Side Effects for Lisinopril

  • Dizziness (up to 19%)
  • Low blood pressure (up to 11%)
  • Higher creatinine levels (up to 10%)

Warnings for Lisinopril

  • Harm to an unborn baby
  • Angioedema (swelling)
  • Low blood pressure
  • Possible worsening of kidney problems
  • High potassium levels
  • Liver problems

Summary for Avapro

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 for Avapro

Pros and Cons for Avapro

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 for Avapro

  • 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 for Avapro

  • Harm to unborn baby
  • Low blood pressure
  • Worsening kidney problems
  • High levels of potassium

Prices with our coupons for Lisinopril vs. Avapro

Price Card Drug Icon
Lisinopril30 tablets / 20mg
$7.79$13.70
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Irbesartan30 tablets / 300mg
$9.00$9.00
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