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.
