Compare Micardis vs. Lisinopril

Telmisartan (Micardis) and lisinopril (Zestril) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different classes. Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), while lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Telmisartan works by blocking a hormone that narrows blood vessels, helping them relax, whereas lisinopril blocks a protein that tightens blood vessels. Telmisartan is also used to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in certain adults, while lisinopril is approved for treating heart failure and reducing the risk of death after a heart attack. One key difference is that lisinopril is more likely to cause a dry cough, a common side effect of ACE inhibitors, which is less common with Telmisartan. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics and are typically taken once a day. However, telmisartan is not recommended for children, while lisinopril can be prescribed to children as young as six years old.