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Compare Lisinopril vs. Captopril

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

Key takeaways

Lisinopril (Zestril) and captopril are both ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, but they have some key differences. Lisinopril is typically taken once daily, while captopril needs to be taken two or three times a day on an empty stomach. Lisinopril is available in both tablet and liquid forms, making it easier for people who have trouble swallowing pills, whereas captopril is only available in tablet form. Captopril can start working within 15 minutes, but it takes about a week to fully kick in. Lisinopril takes about an hour to start lowering blood pressure and up to six hours for its maximum effect. Both medications can cause a dry cough, but captopril is also known to cause changes in taste and skin rash. Additionally, both medications are available in generic forms, but lisinopril is generally cheaper. Both medications should not be used during pregnancy and can cause serious side effects like angioedema and high potassium levels.

  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Captopril
  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Captopril

  • Summary of Lisinopril vs. Captopril

    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 ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It's used in adults to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and to prevent the worsening of kidney problems in people who have diabetes. Captopril is available as a tablet that's taken by mouth two to three times per day. Your healthcare team will help determine your dose based on different factors, such as how high your blood pressure is and what other medications you're taking. Side effects include a dry cough, changes in taste, and dizziness. Brand name Capoten has been discontinued; captopril is only available as a generic medication.

  • Indications of Lisinopril vs. Captopril

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    •Lower the risk for death after a heart attack
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure (in combination with other medications)
    •Improve survival after heart attack in people who have heart failure
    •Prevent worsening kidney problems in people who have diabetes (diabetic nephropathy)

  • Pros and Cons of Lisinopril vs. Captopril

    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 ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for lowering blood pressure for many people
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Taken two to three times per day
    •Need to take on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals
    •Can't take during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Lisinopril vs. Captopril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Low blood pressure (7-11%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (7-10%)
    •Headache (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin rash (up to 7%)
    •Changes in taste (up to 4%)
    •Dry cough (up to 2%)
    •Itching (2%)

  • Warnings of Lisinopril vs. Captopril

    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
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling) and serious allergic reactions
    •Risk of infection (lower white blood cell count)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •High potassium levels
    •Risk of liver problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Lisinopril vs. Captopril

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    Learn more about Captopril

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