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Compare Norvasc vs. Zestril

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

Key takeaways

Amlodipine (Norvasc) and lisinopril (Zestril) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they have important differences. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB), while lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Amlodipine is also used for coronary artery disease, whereas lisinopril is approved for heart failure and to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Both medications are taken orally, typically once a day, and are available as a lower-cost generic. Amlodipine can cause side effects like swelling of the hands and feet and tiredness, while lisinopril may cause a dry cough and dizziness. Lisinopril can interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is not safe during pregnancy. Both medications also come as an oral liquid for those who have trouble swallowing pills.

  • Amlodipine (Norvasc)
    Lisinopril (Zestril)
  • Amlodipine (Norvasc)
    Lisinopril (Zestril)

  • Summary of Norvasc vs. Zestril

    Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Prescription only

    Amlodipine tablets, also known as the brand name Norvasc, help treat high blood pressure in adults and children. It can also help with coronary artery disease, including related angina or chest pain. This medication belongs to the drug class called calcium channel blockers. The tablets are taken by mouth once a day. Some side effects can include tiredness and swelling of the hands and feet.

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Lisinopril (Zestril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, or ACE inhibitor. It's used to treat high blood pressure in people 6 years and older. In adults, it's also approved to manage heart failure and to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Lisinopril (Zestril) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once daily. There's also an oral solution available under the brand name Qbrelis. Some side effects include dizziness, cough, and headache.

  • Indications of Norvasc vs. Zestril

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Coronary artery disease, including some types of chest pain (angina)
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in people ages 6 years and older
    •Heart failure in adults
    •Lowering the risk of death after a heart attack in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Norvasc vs. Zestril

    Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for high blood pressure
    •Taken just once daily
    •Can take with or without food
    Cons
    •Can cause swelling in the legs
    •Can cause dizziness, so it can raise the risk of falls
    •Might need dose adjustments for people with liver problems to keep them safe
    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •A first-choice medication for high blood pressure
    •Also helpful for heart failure and after a heart attack
    •Okay for children as young as 6 years old to take to treat high blood pressure
    Cons
    •More likely to cause dry cough than ARBs
    •Can make you feel dizzy, especially at first
    •Might not work as well for lowering blood pressure in Black people
    •Not safe during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Norvasc vs. Zestril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness (5%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Low blood pressure (up to 11%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (up to 10%)

  • Warnings of Norvasc vs. Zestril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening chest pain and risk of heart attack
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to an unborn baby
    •Angioedema (swelling)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Possible worsening of kidney problems
    •High potassium levels
    •Liver problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Norvasc vs. Zestril

    Learn more about Amlodipine
    Learn more about Lisinopril

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