Lisinopril vs. Amlodipine: Comparing Blood Pressure Medications
Lisinopril and Amlodipine are two common prescription medications used to treat high blood pressure. While both effectively lower blood pressure, they belong to different drug classes and work in distinct ways, leading to differences in their additional benefits and potential side effects.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Lisinopril | Amlodipine Besylate |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | ACE Inhibitor | Calcium Channel Blocker (Dihydropyridine) |
| Primary Use | High blood pressure, heart failure, after a heart attack | High blood pressure |
| Mechanism of Action | Relaxes blood vessels by blocking a hormone (angiotensin II) | Relaxes blood vessels by blocking calcium entry into cells |
| Key Advantage | Proven benefits for heart failure and after heart attacks | Generally well-tolerated, can be used in patients who can't take ACE inhibitors |
| Main Limitation | Risk of dry cough, angioedema (swelling), and kidney issues | Risk of swelling in ankles/feet, worsening angina in rare cases |
| Pediatric Use | Approved for children 6 years and older for hypertension | Approved for children 6 years and older for hypertension |
| When to Choose | Your doctor might choose Lisinopril if you have high blood pressure along with heart failure or if you've recently had a heart attack, due to its specific benefits in these conditions. It's also a good option for many patients needing blood pressure control. | Amlodipine might be preferred if you cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril (e.g., due to a persistent dry cough) or if you have certain other conditions where calcium channel blockers are beneficial. It's a versatile option for managing high blood pressure. |
| Side Effects | Lisinopril commonly causes a dry cough and has a rare but serious risk of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue). Amlodipine is more commonly associated with swelling in the ankles and feet. Both can cause dizziness or lightheadedness due to blood pressure lowering. | |
| Cost | Both Lisinopril and Amlodipine are available as affordable generics. As such, the cost for either medication is generally low and comparable. |
Bottom Line
Both Lisinopril and Amlodipine are effective at lowering blood pressure, but they are different types of medications. Your doctor will consider your overall health, other medical conditions, and potential side effects to determine which medication is best suited for you.
Lisinopril Overview
Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) is one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States and the most commonly used ACE inhibitor. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, reduces hospitalizations and death in heart failure, and improves survival after a heart attack. It is also used to slow kidney disease progression in people with diabetes. Generic lisinopril is available for as little as $4–$15 per month, making it one of the most cost-effective cardiovascular medications available.
Full Lisinopril guide →Amlodipine Besylate Overview
Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), chronic stable angina, vasospastic (Prinzmetal's) angina, and coronary artery disease. It is one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, known for its once-daily dosing, excellent tolerability, and proven cardiovascular outcomes data from the ALLHAT and CAMELOT trials. Amlodipine is available as a generic for as little as $4/month.
Full Amlodipine Besylate guide →Compare prices for Lisinopril and Amlodipine Besylate
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.