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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)

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Captopril

 

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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 Captopril

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 for Captopril

Pros and Cons for Captopril

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 for Captopril

  • Skin rash (up to 7%)
  • Changes in taste (up to 4%)
  • Dry cough (up to 2%)
  • Itching (2%)

Warnings for Captopril

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Lisinopril30 tablets / 20mg
$9.00$9.00
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Captopril90 tablets / 25mg
$38.35$84.72
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