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Compare Micardis vs. Zestoretic

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

Key takeaways

Telmisartan (Micardis) and Zestoretic (lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they work in different ways. Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that relaxes blood vessels by blocking a hormone that narrows them. Zestoretic combines an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, lisinopril, which also relaxes blood vessels, with a diuretic (water pill), hydrochlorothiazide, which helps remove extra water and salt from your body. Telmisartan is typically taken once a day and is available as a generic medication, while Zestoretic is also taken once daily but combines two medications in one pill. Common side effects of telmisartan include upper respiratory infections and back pain, whereas Zestoretic can cause dizziness, headache, and a dry cough. Both medications are not safe for use during pregnancy and may require regular blood work to monitor kidney function and electrolyte levels.

  • Telmisartan (Micardis)
    Zestoretic (lisinopril / hydrochlorothiazide)
  • Telmisartan (Micardis)
    Zestoretic (lisinopril / hydrochlorothiazide)

  • Summary of Micardis vs. Zestoretic

    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/Diuretic (water pill) combo
    Prescription only

    Zestoretic is a combination blood pressure medication for adults. It contains lisinopril (an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic). It comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day. Your prescriber will determine your dosage based on how high your blood pressure is and if you're taking other blood pressure medications. Some of the more common side effects it can cause include dizziness, headache, and cough. Zestoretic (lisinopril / hydrochlorothiazide) is available as a generic.

  • Indications of Micardis vs. Zestoretic

    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 in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Micardis vs. Zestoretic

    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/Diuretic (water pill) combo
    Pros
    •Combines two medications in one pill
    •Taken by mouth
    •Taken once daily
    Cons
    •Can make you urinate more often
    •Might not be appropriate for someone with a sulfa allergy
    •Shouldn't take during pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Micardis vs. Zestoretic

    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 (8%)
    •Headache (5%)
    •Cough (4%)
    •Extreme tiredness (4%)
    •Feeling lightheaded when standing after sitting or lying down (3%)

  • Warnings of Micardis vs. Zestoretic

    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
    •Kidney damage
    •Changes in electrolyte, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels
    •Vision problems
    •Lupus

  • Prices with our coupons for Micardis vs. Zestoretic

    Learn more about Telmisartan
    Learn more about Zestoretic

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