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.
