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Compare Micardis vs. Zestril

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

Key takeaways

Telmisartan (Micardis) and lisinopril (Zestril) are both once-daily medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes. Telmisartan 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. Both medications can also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Telmisartan comes as a tablet, while lisinopril is available as both a tablet and an oral solution. Common side effects of telmisartan include upper respiratory infections and leg pain while walking, while lisinopril is more likely to cause a dry cough and dizziness. Both medications can raise potassium levels, so your prescriber will monitor your potassium while you are on the medication. Telmisartan and lisinopril should not be taken together. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics and should not be used during pregnancy.

  • Telmisartan (Micardis)
    Lisinopril (Zestril)
  • Telmisartan (Micardis)
    Lisinopril (Zestril)

  • Summary of Micardis vs. Zestril

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Telmisartan (Micardis) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It's a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure in adults. Telmisartan (Micardis) is also used to lower the risk of death or heart attack in certain people with heart problems. This medication is taken by mouth, typically once a day. Side effects aren't common, but people taking telmisartan (Micardis) have reported ones like upper respiratory infection and back pain.

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Lisinopril (Zestril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that's a first-choice medication used for lowering blood pressure. It's also approved to treat symptoms of heart failure and also to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Lisinopril (Zestril) is a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once daily. It's also available as an oral solution. Some common side effects of this medication include cough, dizziness, and headache.

  • Indications of Micardis vs. Zestril

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Lowering the risk of death, stroke, or heart attack in certain adults 55 years or older with a history of heart problems (e.g., coronary artery disease)
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    •Lower the risk for death after a heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Micardis vs. Zestril

    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Typically taken once a day
    •Lowers the risk of heart attack or death due to heart problems in people with CAD
    •Less likely to cause dry cough compared to ACE inhibitors
    Cons
    •Can’t take while pregnant
    •Might require regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your kidneys are functioning normally
    •Not safe for use in children
    •Can take up to 4 weeks to see the full effect on high blood pressure
    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •A first-choice blood pressure medication
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old for treatment of high blood pressure
    •Available as a liquid (Qbrelis), good option for people who've difficulty swallowing tablets
    Cons
    •More likely to cause a dry cough, compared to ARBs
    •Can't be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Might not work as well for lowering high blood pressure in black people

  • Common Side Effects of Micardis vs. Zestril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (cough, sore throat; 7%)
    •Pain in the legs while walking (up to 7%)
    •Skin ulcers (up to 3%)
    •Back pain (3%)
    •Sinus infection (stuffy nose; 3%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Low blood pressure (7-11%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (7-10%)
    •Headache (6%)

  • Warnings of Micardis vs. Zestril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney problems
    •High levels of potassium
    •Liver problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •Heart problems due to high potassium
    •Liver problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Micardis vs. Zestril

    Learn more about Telmisartan
    Learn more about Lisinopril

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