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Compare Losartan vs. Lotensin HCT

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

Key takeaways

Losartan (Cozaar) and Lotensin HCT (benazepril/hydrochlorothiazide) are both medications used to lower 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 Lotensin HCT is a combination of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and a diuretic (water pill). Losartan is typically taken once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic. Lotensin HCT also has a generic form and combines two medications into one pill for convenience. However, Lotensin HCT can cause a dry cough, a common side effect of ACE inhibitors, and may make you urinate more often due to the diuretic component. Neither medication is safe to use during pregnancy and neither may not work as well for Black people. Additionally, both medications require regular monitoring for potassium levels and kidney function.

  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Lotensin hct (benazepril / hydrochlorothiazide)
  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Lotensin hct (benazepril / hydrochlorothiazide)

  • Summary of Losartan vs. Lotensin HCT

    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 ACE inhibitor / Diuretic (water pill) combo
    Prescription only

    Lotensin HCT is a combination blood pressure medication for adults. It contains benazepril (an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic). It's available as a brand name and lower-cost generic tablet that's taken by mouth once per day. The dosage will generally depend on how high your blood pressure is and if you're taking, or have recently taken, other blood pressure medications. Some common side effects of Lotensin HCT (benazepril / hydrochlorothiazide) include dizziness, tiredness, and headache.

  • Indications of Losartan vs. Lotensin HCT

    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 in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Losartan vs. Lotensin HCT

    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 ACE inhibitor / Diuretic (water pill) combo
    Pros
    •Contains two first-choice medications for lowering blood pressure within a single pill
    •Taken by mouth once per day at any time of day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might take 2 to 3 weeks before maximum benefit
    •Only available as a tablet
    •Not safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Losartan vs. Lotensin HCT

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Stuffy nose (2%)
    •Back pain (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (6%)
    •Tiredness (5%)
    •Dizziness when suddenly standing up (4%)
    •Headache (3%)
    •Cough (2%)

  • Warnings of Losartan vs. Lotensin HCT

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver failure
    •Changes in electrolyte, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels
    •Vision problems
    •Lupus

  • Prices with our coupons for Losartan vs. Lotensin HCT

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