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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 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.

    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 in people ages 6 years and older
    •Heart failure in adults
    •Lowering the risk of death after a heart attack in adults
    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
    •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
    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 (up to 11%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (up to 10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure (4%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)
    •Rash (2%)
    •Stomach irritation (2%)

  • Warnings of Lisinopril vs. Nimodipine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to an unborn baby
    •Angioedema (swelling)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Possible worsening of kidney problems
    •High potassium levels
    •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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