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Compare Propranolol vs. Losartan

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

Key takeaways

Propranolol (Inderal LA, Inderal XL, Innopran XL) and losartan (Cozaar) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes and work in different ways. Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker that slows down your heart rate and relaxes blood vessels, while losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that relaxes blood vessels by blocking a specific protein. Propranolol is also used for conditions like chronic chest pain, migraines, and tremors, and it can be taken multiple times a day depending on the form. Losartan, on the other hand, is typically taken once daily and is also used to lower the risk of stroke and slow down kidney problems in people with diabetes. Common side effects of propranolol include dizziness and tiredness, while losartan can cause dizziness and upper respiratory infections. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms. However, propranolol is not safe for people with asthma, and losartan should not be used during pregnancy.

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How To Choose The Best Blood Pressure Medication For You

Propranolol
Losartan (Cozaar)
Propranolol
Losartan (Cozaar)
Summary of Propranolol vs. Losartan
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 ARB
Prescription only
Losartan, also known by the brand name Cozaar, is a first-choice medication that's used to lower blood pressure. It's also shown to protect against stroke in certain people. In addition, this medication can slow down the worsening of kidney problems in certain people with diabetes. Losartan (Cozaar) belongs to the drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). This medication is taken by mouth once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, and upper respiratory infections.
Indications of Propranolol vs. Losartan
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

•Lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure who have a thickened heart (left ventricular hypertrophy)

•Slow down the worsening of kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
Pros and Cons of Propranolol vs. Losartan
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 ARB
Pros

•A first-choice blood pressure medication, including for those with heart failure, diabetes, and kidney problems

•Taken once per day

•Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old

•Works similarly to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but with fewer side effects, like cough and swelling

Cons

•Might cause dizziness

•Might not work as well for Black people as other blood pressure medications do

•Not safe to use during pregnancy

•Can interact with medications like lithium and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Common Side Effects of Propranolol vs. Losartan
Common Side Effects for

•Dizziness

•Tiredness

•Feeling weak

Common Side Effects for

•Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)

•Dizziness (3%)

•Stuffy nose (2%)

•Back pain (2%)
Warnings of Propranolol vs. Losartan
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

•Harm to unborn baby

•Low blood pressure

•Kidney damage

•High potassium levels
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Compare Propranolol vs. Losartan

Key takeaways

Summary of Propranolol vs. Losartan

Indications of Propranolol vs. Losartan

Pros and Cons of Propranolol vs. Losartan

Common Side Effects of Propranolol vs. Losartan

Warnings of Propranolol vs. Losartan

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