Lisinopril vs. Losartan for Hypertension: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Lisinopril

(Zestril)

Losartan

(Cozaar)

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

High blood pressure in people ages 6 years and older
Heart failure in adults
Lowering the risk of death after a heart attack in adults

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

More likely to cause dry cough than ARBs
Can make you feel dizzy, especially at first
Might not work as well for lowering blood pressure in Black people
Not safe during pregnancy

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 Losartan

Prescription only

Losartan, also known by the brand name Cozaar, is a first-choice medication that's used to lower blood pressure. It's also shown to protect against stroke in certain people. In addition, this medication can slow down the worsening of kidney problems in certain people with diabetes. Losartan (Cozaar) belongs to the drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). This medication is taken by mouth once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, and upper respiratory infections.

Indications for Losartan

High blood pressure
Lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure who have a thickened heart (left ventricular hypertrophy)
Slow down the worsening of kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure

Pros and Cons for Losartan

Pros

A first-choice blood pressure medication, including for those with heart failure, diabetes, and kidney problems
Taken once per day
Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old
Works similarly to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but with fewer side effects, like cough and swelling

Cons

Might cause dizziness
Might not work as well for Black people as other blood pressure medications do
Not safe to use during pregnancy
Can interact with medications like lithium and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Common Side Effects for Losartan

Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)
Dizziness (3%)
Stuffy nose (2%)
Back pain (2%)

Warnings for Losartan

Harm to unborn baby
Low blood pressure
Kidney damage
High potassium levels

Prices with our coupons for Lisinopril vs. Losartan

Lisinopril30 tablets / 20mg

$7.79$13.71

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Losartan30 tablets / 50mg

$7.30$45.99

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Lisinopril vs. Losartan

Lisinopril

Losartan

Summary for Lisinopril

Indications for Lisinopril

Pros and Cons for Lisinopril

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lisinopril

Warnings for Lisinopril

Summary for Losartan

Indications for Losartan

Pros and Cons for Losartan

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Losartan

Warnings for Losartan

Prices with our coupons for Lisinopril vs. Losartan

Compare other Hypertension drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Lisinopril

Losartan

Summary for Lisinopril

Indications for Lisinopril

Pros and Cons for Lisinopril

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lisinopril

Warnings for Lisinopril

Summary for Losartan

Indications for Losartan

Pros and Cons for Losartan

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Losartan

Warnings for Losartan