Hypertension (high blood pressure, or HBP)is one of the primary catalysts behindstrokeandheart disease.
Losartan(brand name:Cozaar) andlisinopril(brand name:Zestril) are first-lineantihypertensive drugsthat control HBP.
However, their class, dosage forms, dosing regimens, and uses differ.
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Furthermore, they work in different ways.
Lisinopril is anangiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor)that inhibits enzyme conversion that raises blood pressure.
Lisinopril is available in tablet and liquid dosage forms, while losartan is available only in tablet form.
This article compares and contrasts losartan versus lisinopril.
Blood pressure is the force blood pushes against the wall of the arteries.
HBP increases the workload of the heart and blood vessels, which makes them weaker and work less efficiently.
Weak blood vessels can burst or clog more easily.
Consequences
HBP can damage arteries.
Along with these, non-medical options such as lifestyle changes are also effective ways to avoid disease progression.
What Is Losartan?
However, evidence shows it is not beneficial to decrease the risk of stroke for African-Americans.
Losartan also reduces the rate of progression of diabetic nephropathy in these people.
Losartan controls HBP but does not cure it.
Your blood pressure may start decreasing during the first week of the treatment.
It may take three to six weeks to get the full benefit of losartan.
What Is Lisinopril?
Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that is FDA-approved to treat HBP in adults and children 6 years and older.
Moreover, this drug reduces mortality in people at risk for a heart attack.
Off-label uses for lisinopril includemigraine prevention.
myocardial fibrosis (MF), andinfertilitytreatment.
Lisinopril is marketed under various brand names.
The inhibition of these enzymes eases the blood flow and makes the heart pump blood more efficiently.
Dosing Guidelines
The following briefly overviews some standard dosing practices for losartan vs. lisinopril.
Note that neither drug is approved for use in children under 6 years old.
Losrtan
Losartan is available as 25, 50, and 100 milligrams (mg) film-coated tablets.
Start taking at a lower dose and gradually increase as required.
Conversely, take a lisinopril tablet or solution (liquid) orally once a day as prescribed.
Start taking at a lower dose and gradually increase as required.
Take these medicines as prescribed, and do not increase or change the dose.
Don’t stop taking these drugs without asking your healthcare provider, even if your symptoms improve.
Talk to your healthcare provider before using salt substitutes containing potassium.
Take a low-salt or low-sodium diet when taking these medicines.
Which Works Better?
Losartan and lisinopril have been deemed safe and effective options for treating various HBP-related conditions.
Furthermore, both drugs have similar levels of efficacy.
The study found no therapeutic difference between lisinopril and losartan over a one-year duration of treatment.
Alternative Treatment Options
HBP is the leading cause of many other vascular disorders.
Antihypertensive medications are an effective way to treat high blood pressure and other associated complications.
However, many non-medical remedies are also proven effective in controlling blood pressure.
Side effects associated with the use of losartan and lisinopril are listed below.
Some other side effects of lisinopril include:
Call your healthcare provider if the symptoms do not go away.
Losartan and lisinopril are first-line, effective therapies for controlling and managing HBP and associated conditions.
Losartan and lisinopril belong to different classes of drugs and are available in different dosage forms and strengths.
However, know that losartan and lisinopril come with an FDA warning regarding its use in pregnant people.
Pregnant people must not use these drugs to avoid harm to the fetus.
Do not take these drugs more than prescribed.
Continue taking even if you feel better, and don’t discontinue without asking your healthcare provider.
Furthermore, keep either product away from areas susceptible to high moisture levels or harsh lightning.
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