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Compare Lisinopril vs. Nimodipine

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

Key takeaways

Lisinopril (Zestril) and nimodipine (Nymalize) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used primarily to lower blood pressure, treat heart failure, and reduce the risk of death after a heart attack. It is taken once daily, either as a tablet or an oral solution. Common side effects include dry cough, dizziness, and headache. On the other hand, nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to prevent brain damage after a specific type of brain bleed called an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. It is taken every 4 hours for 3 weeks, either as a capsule or an oral liquid. The most common side effect of nimodipine is low blood pressure. Nimodipine requires more frequent dosing than lisinopril and must be taken on an empty stomach. Additionally, nimodipine has specific interactions with certain medications and foods like grapefruit, which can impact its effectiveness and safety.

  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Nimodipine (Nymalize)
  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Nimodipine (Nymalize)

  • Summary of Lisinopril vs. Nimodipine

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Lisinopril (Zestril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that's a first-choice medication used for lowering blood pressure. It's also approved to treat symptoms of heart failure and also to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Lisinopril (Zestril) is a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once daily. It's also available as an oral solution. Some common side effects of this medication include cough, dizziness, and headache.

    Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Prescription only

    Nimodipine (Nymalize) is used to help prevent brain damage after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (a type of brain bleed). Your provider will typically start this medication in the hospital as soon as possible, but usually within 4 days of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Nimodipine (Nymalize) is taken by mouth or given through a feeding tube every 4 hours for 3 weeks. Generic nimodipine comes as an oral capsule, while brand name Nymalize (nimodipine) comes as an oral liquid. The most common side effect of nimodipine (Nymalize) is low blood pressure, so your provider will check your blood pressure regularly while you're taking this medication.

  • Indications of Lisinopril vs. Nimodipine

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    •Lower the risk for death after a heart attack
    Indications for
    •Prevention of brain damage after a type of brain bleed called an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH)

  • Pros and Cons of Lisinopril vs. Nimodipine

    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •A first-choice blood pressure medication
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old for treatment of high blood pressure
    •Available as a liquid (Qbrelis), good option for people who've difficulty swallowing tablets
    Cons
    •More likely to cause a dry cough, compared to ARBs
    •Can't be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Might not work as well for lowering high blood pressure in black people
    Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Pros
    •Prevents worsening of brain function after brain bleed
    •Available in liquid form if you can't swallow the capsule
    •Treatment typically lasts 3 weeks
    •Low risk of serious side effects
    Cons
    •Can interact with some common medications and supplements
    •Needs to be taken every 4 hours
    •Needs to be taken on an empty stomach
    •Can lower blood pressure and cause dizziness

  • Common Side Effects of Lisinopril vs. Nimodipine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Low blood pressure (7-11%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (7-10%)
    •Headache (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure (4%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)
    •Rash (2%)
    •Stomach irritation (2%)

  • Warnings of Lisinopril vs. Nimodipine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •Heart problems due to high potassium
    •Liver problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Take by mouth only
    •Low blood pressure
    •Medication interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Lisinopril vs. Nimodipine

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