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Compare Lisinopril vs. Benicar

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

Key takeaways

Lisinopril (Zestril) and olmesartan (Benicar) are both medications used to lower blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes. Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, while olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Both medications are taken orally once a day and are available in generic forms, making them more affordable. Lisinopril is also approved to treat heart failure and reduce the risk of death after a heart attack, whereas olmesartan is primarily used for high blood pressure. One key difference is that Lisinopril is more likely to cause a dry cough, a common side effect of ACE inhibitors. Olmesartan is less likely to cause a dry cough but can lead to severe diarrhea in rare cases. Both medications can cause dizziness and should not be used during pregnancy. Additionally, Lisinopril is available as a liquid form (Qbrelis), which can be helpful for those who have trouble swallowing pills.

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  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Olmesartan (Benicar)
  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Olmesartan (Benicar)

  • Summary of Lisinopril vs. Benicar

    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

    Olmesartan medoxomil (Benicar) is a medication that lowers blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It's an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) and works mainly by widening and relaxing your blood vessels to lower pressure. This medication is taken by mouth, typically once per day. People don't usually experience much side effects from olmesartan (Benicar), though some people have reported mild and temporary dizziness.

  • Indications of Lisinopril vs. Benicar

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    •Lower the risk for death after a heart attack
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Lisinopril vs. Benicar

    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
    •A first-choice blood pressure medication
    •Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old
    •Taken once per day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Takes about 2 weeks to see full benefits of olmesartan (Benicar)
    •Not a good option for certain people with kidney problems
    •Not safe to use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Lisinopril vs. Benicar

    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 (3%)

  • Warnings of Lisinopril vs. Benicar

    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 babies
    •Low blood pressure (in people who are dehydrated)
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •High potassium levels
    •Severe diarrhea (sprue-like enteropathy)

  • Prices with our coupons for Lisinopril vs. Benicar

    Learn more about Lisinopril
    Learn more about Olmesartan

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