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Compare Propranolol vs. Lisinopril

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

Key takeaways

Propranolol (Inderal LA, Inderal XL, Innopran XL) and lisinopril (Zestril, Qbrelis) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different classes and work in different ways. Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker that slows down your heart rate and relaxes blood vessels, while lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels by blocking a specific protein. Propranolol can also be used for conditions like tremors, migraines, and performance anxiety, whereas lisinopril is also used to treat heart failure and reduce the risk of death after a heart attack. You typically take propranolol multiple times a day if it's the immediate-release form, but only once daily if it's the extended-release form. Lisinopril is usually taken once daily. Common side effects of propranolol include dizziness and tiredness, while lisinopril can cause a dry cough and dizziness. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable.

drug combination

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  • Propranolol
    Lisinopril (Zestril)
  • Propranolol
    Lisinopril (Zestril)

  • Summary of Propranolol vs. Lisinopril

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker. It helps with a range of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, tremors, and migraine prevention. Sometimes, providers prescribe propranolol off-label to ease performance anxiety. You take this medication by mouth, typically 1 to 4 times daily, depending on if you're taking the immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (ER) medication. Keep in mind the IR and ER versions don't treat the same medical conditions. Some of the more common side effects of propranolol include dizziness, tiredness, or weakness.

    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.

  • Indications of Propranolol vs. Lisinopril

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chronic chest pain
    •Migraine
    •Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
    •Atrial fibrillation (A.Fib)
    •Heart protection after a heart attack
    •Tremors
    •Pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland)
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    •Lower the risk for death after a heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Propranolol vs. Lisinopril

    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Long-acting version only needs to be taken once a day
    •Oral solution might be a good option for people who can't swallow pills
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Not safe for people with asthma or certain serious heart conditions
    •Can hide many recognizable symptoms of low blood sugar, such as fast heart beat or tremors, which might prevent timely treatment
    •Missing doses or suddenly stopping propranolol can raise your risk of heart attacks
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Propranolol vs. Lisinopril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Tiredness
    •Feeling weak
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Low blood pressure (7-11%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (7-10%)
    •Headache (6%)

  • Warnings of Propranolol vs. Lisinopril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of chest pain or heart attack
    •Higher risk or worsening of heart failure
    •Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Trouble breathing (bronchospastic disease)
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Greater risk during surgery
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Propranolol vs. Lisinopril

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