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Compare Vasotec vs. Tenormin

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

Key takeaways

Enalapril (Vasotec, Epaned) and atenolol (Tenormin) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes. Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, while atenolol is a beta blocker. Enalapril is also FDA-approved for treating heart failure, whereas atenolol is approved for chest pain (stable angina) and to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Enalapril is typically taken once or twice daily, and atenolol is usually taken once daily. Enalapril is available in both oral tablet and oral liquid forms, while atenolol is available as an oral tablet. Common side effects of enalapril include tiredness, dizziness, and cough, while atenolol can cause dizziness, tiredness, and cold hands and feet. Enalapril can interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), increasing the risk of kidney problems, whereas atenolol should not be taken with certain calcium channel blockers due to the risk of low heart rate and heart block. Both medications are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Atenolol (Tenormin)
  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Atenolol (Tenormin)

  • Summary of Vasotec vs. Tenormin

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Enalapril (Vasotec) is a first-choice medication used for treating high blood pressure. It's also approved for heart failure. Enalapril (Vasotec) belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It's taken by mouth, once or twice daily. Enalapril (Vasotec) doesn't cause many side effects, but some include tiredness, dizziness, and cough.

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Atenolol (Tenormin) is a cardioselective beta-blocker that's used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. It's also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Atenolol (Tenormin) works by slowing down heart rate and making it easier for your heart to pump blood. Atenolol (Tenormin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some common side effects of this medication include dizziness, feeling tired, and having cold hands and feet.

  • Indications of Vasotec vs. Tenormin

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chest pain (stable angina)
    •Lower risk of death after heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Vasotec vs. Tenormin

    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •A first-choice blood pressure lowering medication for many people
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can be taken by children as young as 1 month old (high blood pressure only)
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •More likely to cause a dry cough, compared to angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
    •Can't be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Might not work as well for lowering high blood pressure in black people
    •Need to take twice daily for heart failure
    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •A first-choice treatment to prevent chest pains (angina)
    •Lower risk of wheezing and breathing problems compared to non-selective beta blockers
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Can hide some symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Stopping treatment suddenly can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke

  • Common Side Effects of Vasotec vs. Tenormin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling tired (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling tired (up to 26%)
    •Dizziness (up to 13%)
    •Cold hands and feet (up to 12%)
    •Feeling depressed (up to 12%)
    •Trouble catching your breath (up to 6%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by people who took atenolol for high blood pressure

  • Warnings of Vasotec vs. Tenormin

    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
    •Worsening chest pain, heart attacks, and irregular heartbeat
    •Heart failure
    •Risk of difficulty breathing
    •Greater risk during surgery
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Risk of heart block (medication interaction)
    •Risk of harm to unborn and breastfed babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Vasotec vs. Tenormin

    Learn more about Enalapril
    Learn more about Atenolol

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