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Compare Losartan vs. Bisoprolol

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

Key takeaways

Losartan (Cozaar) and bisoprolol (Zebeta) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes and work in different ways. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that helps relax blood vessels and reduce water retention, while bisoprolol is a beta blocker that slows down the heart rate to lower blood pressure. Losartan is often a first-choice medication and is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas bisoprolol is usually prescribed when other blood pressure medications aren't effective enough. Losartan is taken once daily and can also help protect against stroke and slow kidney damage in people with diabetes, while bisoprolol is also taken once daily but can interact with alcohol and may worsen heart failure symptoms if not managed properly. Common side effects of losartan include dizziness and upper respiratory infections, while bisoprolol can cause headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. Both medications require careful monitoring and should not be stopped abruptly without consulting your prescriber.

  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Bisoprolol
  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Bisoprolol

  • Summary of Losartan vs. Bisoprolol

    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

    Bisoprolol, or bisoprolol fumarate, is a tablet that's used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a group of medications called beta blockers. It's usually only given when first-choice blood pressure medications aren't working well enough. Some common side effects of bisoprolol include headache, feeling tired, and diarrhea. It has some interactions with alcohol and taking bisoprolol with alcohol can worsen dizziness and raise the risk for fainting.

  • Indications of Losartan vs. Bisoprolol

    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

  • Pros and Cons of Losartan vs. Bisoprolol

    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
    •Works well to lower blood pressure
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Only need to take it once a day
    •Can take it with or without food
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice medication to lower blood pressure
    •Skipping or missing doses can lead to high blood pressure and higher risk of heart attacks
    •Can make you feel more tired
    •Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar if you have diabetes

  • Common Side Effects of Losartan vs. Bisoprolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Stuffy nose (2%)
    •Back pain (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (9%)
    •Fatigue (7%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (5%)
    •Swelling in arms or legs (4%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Runny nose (3%)

  • Warnings of Losartan vs. Bisoprolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart attack or irregular heart rhythm
    •Heart failure
    •Trouble breathing (people with bronchospastic conditions)
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of high thyroid hormone
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Worsening of poor circulation

  • Prices with our coupons for Losartan vs. Bisoprolol

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    Learn more about Bisoprolol

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