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Compare Norvasc vs. Zestoretic

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

Key takeaways

Amlodipine (Norvasc) and Zestoretic (lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they work in different ways and belong to different medication classes. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure and help with chest pain. It is available in both tablet and liquid forms, making it a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills. On the other hand, Zestoretic is a combination of an ACE inhibitor (lisinopril) and a diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide). Lisinopril relaxes blood vessels by blocking a protein, while hydrochlorothiazide helps remove extra water and electrolytes from your body. Amlodipine is generally well-tolerated but can cause swelling and tiredness, while Zestoretic may cause dizziness, headache, and a dry cough. Additionally, Zestoretic is not safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, whereas the safety of amlodipine during pregnancy is not well-established. Both medications are taken once daily and are available by prescription only.

  • Amlodipine (Norvasc)
    Zestoretic (lisinopril / hydrochlorothiazide)
  • Amlodipine (Norvasc)
    Zestoretic (lisinopril / hydrochlorothiazide)

  • Summary of Norvasc vs. Zestoretic

    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 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 Norvasc vs. Zestoretic

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Clogged arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease)
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Norvasc vs. Zestoretic

    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 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 Norvasc vs. Zestoretic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling (2-11%)
    •Tiredness (5%)
    •Nausea (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 Norvasc vs. Zestoretic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severely low blood pressure
    •Heart attack and chest pain
    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 Norvasc vs. Zestoretic

    Learn more about Amlodipine
    Learn more about Zestoretic

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