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Compare Zestril vs. Zestoretic

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

Key takeaways

Lisinopril (Zestril) and Zestoretic (lisinopril / hydrochlorothiazide) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure. They both contain lisinopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which helps relax blood vessels. However, Zestoretic is a combination medication that also includes hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic or "water pill" that helps remove extra water and certain electrolytes from your body. Lisinopril is available as a tablet and an oral solution, while Zestoretic is only available as a tablet. Both medications are taken once daily, but Zestoretic may cause you to urinate more often due to the diuretic component. Common side effects of both include dizziness, headache, and cough, but Zestoretic can also cause tiredness and changes in electrolyte levels. Both medications should not be used during pregnancy and can interact with other medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If you experience any severe side effects like swelling or difficulty breathing, you should contact your prescriber immediately.

  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Zestoretic (lisinopril / hydrochlorothiazide)
  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Zestoretic (lisinopril / hydrochlorothiazide)

  • Summary of Zestril vs. Zestoretic

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Lisinopril (Zestril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that's a first-choice medication used for lowering blood pressure. It's also approved to treat symptoms of heart failure and also to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Lisinopril (Zestril) is a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once daily. It's also available as an oral solution. Some common side effects of this medication include cough, dizziness, and headache.

    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 Zestril vs. Zestoretic

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    •Lower the risk for death after a heart attack
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Zestril vs. Zestoretic

    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •A first-choice blood pressure medication
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old for treatment of high blood pressure
    •Available as a liquid (Qbrelis), good option for people who've difficulty swallowing tablets
    Cons
    •More likely to cause a dry cough, compared to ARBs
    •Can't be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Might not work as well for lowering high blood pressure in black people
    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 Zestril vs. Zestoretic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Low blood pressure (7-11%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (7-10%)
    •Headache (6%)
    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 Zestril vs. Zestoretic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •Heart problems due to high 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 Zestril vs. Zestoretic

    Learn more about Lisinopril
    Learn more about Zestoretic

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