Side-by-side: lisinopril compared to losartan potassium
Summary: Lisinopril (lisinopril) is a ACE Inhibitors medication indicated for Hypertension (high blood pressure). Losartan (losartan potassium) is a Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) medication indicated for Hypertension in adults and children ≥6 years. They belong to different classes and work via different mechanisms.
| Attribute | Lisinopril | Losartan |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | lisinopril | losartan potassium |
| Medicine class | ACE Inhibitors | Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) |
| Prescription status | Rx only | Rx only |
| Pregnancy category | D | D |
| FDA approved | 1987 | 1995 |
| Half-life | 12 hours (longer in renal impairment) | Losartan: 2 hours; EXP3174 (active metabolite): 6–9 hours |
| Adult dose (typical) | Hypertension: 10 mg once daily. Usual range: 20–40 mg/day. Maximum: 80 mg/day. Heart failure: Start 2.5–5 mg once daily, titrate to 40 mg/day. Post-MI: 5 mg within 24 hours, then 5 mg after 24 hours, 10 mg after 48 hours, then 10 mg daily. | Hypertension: 50mg once daily initially; may increase to 100mg once daily; Diabetic nephropathy: 50mg once daily; increase to 100mg once daily based on BP response; Stroke prevention (LVH): 50mg once daily; add HCTZ 12.5mg if needed; titrate to 100mg/day; Volume-depleted patients (on diuretics): Start at 25mg once daily |
| Forms | Tablet, Oral solution | Tablets |
| Common side effects | Persistent dry cough (10–15% of patients — class effect of ACE inhibitors), Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially first dose), Headache | [object Object], [object Object], [object Object] |
| Cost tier | — | — |