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Compare Losartan vs. Betapace

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

Key takeaways

Losartan (Cozaar) and sotalol (Betapace) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different health conditions and belong to different drug classes. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) primarily used to lower blood pressure and protect against stroke, as well as to slow down kidney problems in people with diabetes. It is taken once daily and is available in a lower-cost generic form. On the other hand, sotalol is a non-selective beta blocker and potassium channel blocker used to treat and prevent certain heart rhythm problems like atrial fibrillation. Sotalol is typically taken twice a day and also comes in a generic form. Unlike losartan, starting sotalol usually requires a hospital stay for monitoring due to the risk of serious side effects like abnormal heart rhythms. While losartan mainly affects blood pressure, sotalol works by slowing down electrical activity in the heart to manage arrhythmias. Both medications can cause dizziness and fatigue, but sotalol has additional risks like breathing problems and low blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes.

  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Sotalol (Betapace)
  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Sotalol (Betapace)

  • Summary of Losartan vs. Betapace

    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 Antiarrhythmic
    Prescription only

    Sotalol (Betapace) is used to treat and prevent certain types of heart rate and heart rhythm problems (like atrial fibrillation or Afib). It's taken by mouth, typically twice a day. Usually, you need to start this medication in the hospital and stay there for at least 3 days so that the healthcare team can monitor your heart rhythm and check for any serious side effects. Sotalol (Betapace) can interact with several medications, including certain blood pressure medications and antacids. Sotalol is available both generic and brand name medications.

  • Indications of Losartan vs. Betapace

    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
    •Treatment of ventricular arrhythmias
    •Prevention of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in people who've experienced these problems before

  • Pros and Cons of Losartan vs. Betapace

    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 Antiarrhythmic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat life-threatening arrhythmias
    •Available in a lower-cost, generic version
    •Available as an oral liquid for people having trouble swallowing tablets
    Cons
    •Must in a hospital for 3 days when first starting
    •Can cause serious arrhythmias, so it requires close monitoring
    •Can't use in people with certain medical conditions (e.g., heart failure, severe kidney problems, breathing problems)

  • Common Side Effects of Losartan vs. Betapace

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Stuffy nose (2%)
    •Back pain (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness (up to 20%)
    •Dizziness (up to 16%)
    •Low heart rate (up to 13%)
    •Headache (up to 12%)
    •Trouble breathing (up to 10%)

  • Warnings of Losartan vs. Betapace

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm
    •Low blood pressure and heart rate
    •Heart failure
    •Difficulty breathing (bronchospasm)
    •Masked symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Heart issues with sudden discontinuation
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Losartan vs. Betapace

    Learn more about Losartan
    Learn more about Sotalol

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