Key takeaways
Losartan (Cozaar) and lisinopril (Zestril) are both medications used to lower high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), while lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Both medications help relax blood vessels, but they do so in different ways. Losartan is also used to lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure and a thickened heart (left ventricular hypertrophy), and to slow kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes. Lisinopril, on the other hand, is approved to treat heart failure and reduce the risk of death after a heart attack. Losartan is typically taken as a tablet once daily, while lisinopril is available as both a tablet and a liquid and is usually taken once daily. Common side effects of losartan include dizziness and upper respiratory infections, whereas lisinopril is more likely to cause a dry cough, and can also cause dizziness. Both medications can cause high potassium levels and kidney problems, and neither is safe to use during pregnancy. Additionally, both medications are available as lower-cost generics.
