Key takeaways
Lisinopril (Zestril) and carvedilol (Coreg) are both used to treat high blood pressure and heart-related issues, but they belong to different medication classes and work in different ways. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels by blocking a protein called ACE, while carvedilol is a beta blocker that lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and slowing down the heart rate. Lisinopril is typically taken once daily and is available as both a tablet and a liquid, making it a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills. In contrast, carvedilol comes in immediate-release tablets taken twice daily and extended-release capsules taken once daily. Common side effects of Lisinopril include dizziness and headache, whereas carvedilol can cause dizziness, tiredness, and diarrhea. Additionally, lisinopril is more likely to cause a dry cough and should not be used during pregnancy, while carvedilol should be taken with food and is not recommended for people with asthma. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms.
