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Compare Norvasc vs. Cozaar

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

Key takeaways

Amlodipine (Norvasc) and losartan (Cozaar) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes and work in different ways. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure and reduce chest pain. It is typically taken once a day and is available in both tablet and liquid forms. Common side effects include swelling and tiredness. On the other hand, Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that also relaxes blood vessels but additionally prevents the body from retaining water and salt. It is also taken once a day. Losartan can cause dizziness and upper respiratory infections. Unlike Amlodipine, Losartan is also used to lower the risk of stroke and slow down the worsening of kidney problems in people with certain health problems. Both medications are not safe to use during pregnancy, but Losartan has a specific warning against use during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby.

  • Amlodipine (Norvasc)
    Losartan (Cozaar)
  • Amlodipine (Norvasc)
    Losartan (Cozaar)

  • Summary of Norvasc vs. Cozaar

    Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Prescription only

    Amlodipine (Norvasc) is taken by mouth, typically once a day, to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease (CAD). It's also available as liquid options, which might be better choices for people who've trouble swallowing tablets. Most people take amlodipine (Norvasc) without experiencing many side effects. But out of the side effects people reported, the most common ones include tiredness and swelling of the hands and feet.

    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 Norvasc vs. Cozaar

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Clogged arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease)
    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 Norvasc vs. Cozaar

    Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Pros
    •Available as a liquid (Norliqva or Katerzia) for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    •Taken just once daily
    •Can take with or without food
    •Tablets are available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause swelling, so not a good choice for people with heart failure
    •Can cause dizziness, so raises the risk for falls
    •Older adults and people with liver problems are at higher risk for side effects
    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 Norvasc vs. Cozaar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling (2-11%)
    •Tiredness (5%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Stuffy nose (2%)
    •Back pain (2%)

  • Warnings of Norvasc vs. Cozaar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severely low blood pressure
    •Heart attack and chest pain
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Norvasc vs. Cozaar

    Learn more about Amlodipine
    Learn more about Losartan

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