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Compare Monopril vs. Losartan

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

Key takeaways

Fosinopril (generic, brand name Monopril) and Losartan (generic, brand name Cozaar) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes. Fosinopril is an ACE inhibitor, which works by blocking a chemical that tightens blood vessels, making them more relaxed. Losartan, on the other hand, is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that blocks a hormone called angiotensin II from attaching to its receptors, which helps relax blood vessels and reduce water and salt retention. Fosinopril is also used for heart failure, while Losartan can lower the risk of stroke and slow down kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes. Both medications are taken once daily and are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of Fosinopril include dizziness and cough, whereas Losartan may cause dizziness and upper respiratory infections. Both medications are not safe to use during pregnancy.

  • Fosinopril
    Losartan (Cozaar)
  • Fosinopril
    Losartan (Cozaar)

  • Summary of Monopril vs. Losartan

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Fosinopril sodium (Monopril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It's used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children. It can also treat heart failure. Fosinopril comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once daily. Most people don't experience any side effects from fosinopril. But people who did reported cough and dizziness. Though rare, fosinopril and other ACEI inhibitors can cause angioedema, which can be serious. Brand name Monopril has been discontinued; fosinopril is only available as a generic medication.

    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.

  • Indications of Monopril vs. Losartan

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in people ages 6 years and older
    •Heart failure (in combination with other medications)
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Monopril vs. Losartan

    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause a cough that might not go away until you stop the medication
    •Not safe to use if you're pregnant
    •Might not work as well for lowering high blood pressure in Black adults
    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)

  • Common Side Effects of Monopril vs. Losartan

    Common Side Effects for

    For the treatment of high blood pressure

    •Cough (2%)
    •Dizziness (2%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (1%)

    For the treatment of heart failure

    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Cough (10%)
    •Low blood pressure (4%)
    •Muscle pain (3%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (2%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)
    •Chest pain (2%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Stuffy nose (2%)
    •Back pain (2%)

  • Warnings of Monopril vs. Losartan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling) and serious allergic reactions
    •Risk of infection (lower white blood cell count)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •High potassium levels
    •Risk of liver problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Monopril vs. Losartan

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    Learn more about Losartan

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