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Compare Losartan vs. Atenolol

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

Key takeaways

Losartan (Cozaar) and atenolol (Tenormin) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes and work in different ways. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that helps relax blood vessels and reduce water retention, while atenolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker that slows down the heart rate and reduces the heart's workload. Losartan is also used to lower the risk of stroke and slow down kidney problems in people with diabetes, whereas atenolol is used to treat chest pain (angina) and lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Losartan is typically taken once daily, while atenolol is also taken once daily but can be taken twice daily after a heart attack. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of losartan include dizziness and upper respiratory infections, while atenolol can cause tiredness, dizziness, and cold hands and feet. Neither medication is recommended during pregnancy.

  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Atenolol (Tenormin)
  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Atenolol (Tenormin)

  • Summary of Losartan vs. Atenolol

    Summary for ARB
    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.

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Atenolol (Tenormin) is a cardioselective beta-blocker that's used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. It's also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Atenolol (Tenormin) works by slowing down heart rate and making it easier for your heart to pump blood. Atenolol (Tenormin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some common side effects of this medication include dizziness, feeling tired, and having cold hands and feet.

  • Indications of Losartan vs. Atenolol

    Indications for
    •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
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chest pain (stable angina)
    •Lower risk of death after heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Losartan vs. Atenolol

    Pros and Const for ARB
    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)
    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •A first-choice treatment to prevent chest pains (angina)
    •Lower risk of wheezing and breathing problems compared to non-selective beta blockers
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Can hide some symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Stopping treatment suddenly can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke

  • Common Side Effects of Losartan vs. Atenolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Stuffy nose (2%)
    •Back pain (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling tired (up to 26%)
    •Dizziness (up to 13%)
    •Cold hands and feet (up to 12%)
    •Feeling depressed (up to 12%)
    •Trouble catching your breath (up to 6%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by people who took atenolol for high blood pressure

  • Warnings of Losartan vs. Atenolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening chest pain, heart attacks, and irregular heartbeat
    •Heart failure
    •Risk of difficulty breathing
    •Greater risk during surgery
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Risk of heart block (medication interaction)
    •Risk of harm to unborn and breastfed babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Losartan vs. Atenolol

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