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Compare Lisinopril vs. Spironolactone

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

Key takeaways

Lisinopril (Zestril) and spironolactone (Aldactone) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, but they work in different ways and belong to different drug classes. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels by blocking a protein called ACE, while spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that helps your kidneys remove extra water and sodium without lowering potassium levels. Lisinopril is typically taken once daily and is available in both tablet and liquid forms. Spironolactone, on the other hand, can be taken once or multiple times a day and comes in tablet and oral suspension forms. Common side effects of Lisinopril include cough, dizziness, and headache, while Spironolactone can cause breast tenderness, lower sex drive, and more frequent urination. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor kidney function and electrolyte levels, but spironolactone has additional risks of causing high potassium levels and abnormal electrolyte levels. Neither medication should be used during pregnancy, with each having different specific warnings and contraindications.

  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Spironolactone (Aldactone)
  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Spironolactone (Aldactone)

  • Summary of Lisinopril vs. Spironolactone

    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 Potassium sparing diuretic
    Prescription only

    Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a type of potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill). It's used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, and swelling from kidney or liver problems in adults. Because it blocks aldosterone (a hormone that affects sodium and potassium levels), spironolactone (Aldactone) can also treat conditions where there's too much aldosterone. Spironolactone (Aldactone) is taken by mouth, generally once or a few times a day, depending on your condition. Some common side effects of this medication include breast tenderness (males and females) and loss of libido (in males).

  • Indications of Lisinopril vs. Spironolactone

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    •Lower the risk for death after a heart attack
    Indications for
    •Heart failure
    •High blood pressure
    •Swelling due to liver damage (cirrhosis)
    •Swelling due to nephrotic syndrome (a rare kidney condition) - tablets only
    •Primary aldosteronism (a hormone imbalance) - tablets only

  • Pros and Cons of Lisinopril vs. Spironolactone

    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 Potassium sparing diuretic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Oral suspension available for adults who've difficulty swallowing tablets
    •Lower-cost generics available
    Cons
    •Can make you urinate more often
    •Need to get blood tests regularly to check your electrolytes and kidney health
    •Can cause breast growth and lower sex drive in males

  • Common Side Effects of Lisinopril vs. Spironolactone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Low blood pressure (7-11%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (7-10%)
    •Headache (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Stomach cramps
    •Enlargement of male breasts
    •Breast pain
    •Lower sex drive
    •Sexual dysfunction
    •Irregular or lack of menstrual periods
    •Leg cramps
    •Higher potassium levels
    •Lower sodium levels

  • Warnings of Lisinopril vs. Spironolactone

    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
    •High blood potassium levels
    •Low blood pressure and kidney problems
    •Abnormal electrolyte levels
    •Breast pain or swelling

  • Prices with our coupons for Lisinopril vs. Spironolactone

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    Learn more about Spironolactone

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