Skip to main content

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 icon

See more from our pharmacists

ACE Inhibitors Vs. Beta Blockers: How Are They Different?

Propranolol

 

Get free coupons

Lisinopril

(Zestril)

Get free coupons

Summary for Propranolol

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.

Indications for Propranolol

Pros and Cons for Propranolol

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

Common Side Effects for Propranolol

  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling weak

Warnings for Propranolol

  • 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

Summary for Lisinopril

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 for Lisinopril

Pros and Cons for Lisinopril

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

Common Side Effects for Lisinopril

  • Dizziness (up to 19%)
  • Low blood pressure (up to 11%)
  • Higher creatinine levels (up to 10%)

Warnings for Lisinopril

  • 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 Propranolol vs. Lisinopril

Price Card Drug Icon
Propranolol60 tablets / 10mg
$13.00$16.00
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Lisinopril30 tablets / 20mg
$7.79$14.43
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Heart Attack and Hypertension drugs

Cogentin vs. PropranololDantrium vs. PropranololDilantin vs. PropranololElavil vs. PropranololLamictal vs. Propranolol
Neurontin vs. PropranololPropranolol vs. BaclofenPropranolol vs. BisoprololPropranolol vs. BystolicPropranolol vs. CafergotPropranolol vs. CoregPropranolol vs. DepakotePropranolol vs. DetrolPropranolol vs. EffexorPropranolol vs. FioricetPropranolol vs. HydrochlorothiazidePropranolol vs. KeppraPropranolol vs. LisinoprilPropranolol vs. LosartanPropranolol vs. MyrbetriqPropranolol vs. OxybutyninPropranolol vs. SancturaPropranolol vs. TrileptalPropranolol vs. VesicarePropranolol vs. XanaxTegretol vs. PropranololTopamax vs. PropranololCogentin vs. GocovriCogentin vs. InderalCogentin vs. Neurontin

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.