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Lisinopril vs. Digoxin

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

Key takeaways

Lisinopril (Zestril) and digoxin (Lanoxin) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used primarily to lower blood pressure, treat heart failure, and reduce the risk of death after a heart attack. It works by relaxing blood vessels. On the other hand, digoxin is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AFib) by helping the heart pump more effectively and controlling heart rate. Lisinopril is typically taken once daily and is available in both tablet and liquid forms, while digoxin can be taken once or twice daily, depending on the form and dosage. Common side effects of lisinopril include cough, dizziness, and headache, whereas digoxin can cause vision changes, stomach upset, and dizziness. Additionally, digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning small changes in dosage can lead to serious side effects, making regular blood tests necessary. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms.

Lisinopril

(Zestril)

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Digoxin

(Lanoxin)

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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 Digoxin

Prescription only

Digoxin (Lanoxin) is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AFib) in adults and children. It's taken by mouth typically once or twice daily, but the specific dosage will depend on several things like your age, weight, and blood digoxin levels. Side effects include changes in vision, stomach upset, and dizziness. There's also a risk of digoxin toxicity, which means having too much of the medication in your body. This can lead to severe side effects such as vision changes and changes to the heart rhythm.

Indications for Digoxin

Pros and Cons for Digoxin

Pros

  • Can be used in young children to treat heart failure
  • Doesn't affect blood pressure much
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Can cause serious and potentially life-threatening side effects if medication levels in the blood are too high
  • Need to get regular blood tests during treatment
  • Interacts with many medications

Common Side Effects for Digoxin

  • Changes in heart rate
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Reduced appetite

Warnings for Digoxin

  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Digoxin toxicity
  • Worsening heart conditions
  • Less efficacy in people with low calcium levels
  • Different responses in people with thyroid and metabolism problems

Prices with our coupons for Lisinopril vs. Digoxin

Price Card Drug Icon
Lisinopril30 tablets / 20mg
$7.79$13.68
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Price Card Drug Icon
Digoxin90 tablets / 125mcg
$24.00$24.00
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