Key takeaways
Lisinopril (Zestril) and valsartan (Diovan) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart-related conditions, but they belong to different drug classes. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor, which works by blocking a protein that tightens blood vessels, while valsartan is an ARB that blocks a hormone called angiotensin II to relax blood vessels. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable. Lisinopril is typically taken once daily and can cause a dry cough, a common side effect of ACE inhibitors. In contrast, valsartan is less likely to cause a cough and can be taken once or twice daily. Both medications can cause dizziness and are not safe to use during pregnancy. Valsartan may take 2-4 weeks to show its full benefits for lowering blood pressure, whereas lisinopril's effects can be noticed within hours.
