{"id":50284,"date":"2022-03-31T14:55:33","date_gmt":"2022-03-31T18:55:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=50284"},"modified":"2026-10-19T21:20:34","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T01:20:34","slug":"lisinopril-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/lisinopril-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Lisinopril alternatives: What can I take instead of lisinopril?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lisinopril<\/a> is one of the most prescribed medications for hypertension<\/a> (high blood pressure) and is often known by the brand names Prinivil (discontinued) and Zestril<\/a>. Besides being an antihypertensive, lisinopril is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating heart failure and improving survival after a heart attack. Although it’s effective, it may not be right for everyone. Lisinopril alternatives include other angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)<\/a>, as well as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)<\/a>, calcium channel blockers<\/a>, and diuretics<\/a>. The best alternative for you depends on your treatment goal and reason for switching.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLisinopril 10 mg (90 Tablets)\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$6.76\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$6.76\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tSee Lisinopril prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

What can I take in place of lisinopril?<\/h2>\n

There are many other options available to treat high blood pressure. These options may be more suitable for certain people due to their different uses, side effects<\/a>, and dosages.<\/p>\n

Top 5 lisinopril alternatives<\/h2>\n

1. Lotensin (benazepril)<\/h3>\n

Benazepril<\/a> is an ACE inhibitor in the same class as lisinopril and works just as well<\/a> to lower blood pressure. Both drugs share similar side effects, with cough, dizziness, and headache among the most common. If a side effect is your reason for switching away from lisinopril, benazepril may not be a good alternative since adverse reactions are usually the same amongst members of the drug class.<\/p>\n

Although benazepril<\/a> doesn\u2019t carry FDA approval for heart failure or use after a heart attack, it is available in more combination products than lisinopril. Benazepril can be found as a combination drug with hydrochlorothiazide (Lotensin HCT<\/a>) and amlodipine (Lotrel<\/a>), while lisinopril is only paired with hydrochlorothiazide (Prinzide, Zestoretic). The convenience of getting both an ACE inhibitor and the calcium channel blocker amlodipine in one tablet could be enticing.<\/p>\n

Related:<\/b> Benazepril dosage<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

2. Diovan (valsartan)<\/h3>\n

A dry, tickling cough is a side effect that affects many people taking ACE inhibitors, often resulting in a search for alternatives. That search might land on valsartan, part of the ARB drug class that includes Cozaar<\/a> (losartan), Benicar<\/a> (olmesartan), and Atacand<\/a> (candesartan). While ARBs avoid the common cough side effect of ACE inhibitors, they do have some adverse reactions in common with ACE inhibitors, namely elevated potassium and angioedema (rapid tissue swelling), along with being contraindicated in pregnancy.<\/p>\n

ARBs work through a slightly different pathway but provide similar cardiovascular and kidney protection. Like lisinopril<\/a>, valsartan<\/a> is approved for high blood pressure, heart failure, and post\u2013heart attack treatment, which makes it a versatile substitute.<\/p>\n

Another advantage of valsartan is the availability of combination drugs. Valsartan is often paired with HCTZ (Diovan HCT<\/a>), amlodipine (Exforge<\/a>), and both HCTZ and amlodipine (Exforge HCT<\/a>).<\/p>\n

3. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)<\/h3>\n

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic<\/a> that lowers blood pressure by helping the kidneys remove excess salt and water. Unlike lisinopril, which can raise potassium, HCTZ may lower potassium levels. For those under treatment with lisinopril for hypertension but having a side effect of high potassium levels from the drug, HCTZ may be a viable alternative. Unfortunately, HCTZ<\/a> does not have an FDA indication for use after a heart attack and is not used as often for heart failure.<\/p>\n

HCTZ is widely available as a low-cost generic and is often used in combination with other blood pressure drugs for added effect. Pairing it with an ACE inhibitor such as lisinopril has a proven synergistic effect<\/a>, but it can also be prescribed alone or in other fixed-dose combinations.<\/p>\n

4. Norvasc (amlodipine)<\/h3>\n

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure. Unlike lisinopril, it does not affect potassium levels, making it a valuable alternative for patients with electrolyte imbalances. In addition, blood tests for kidney function can be altered by ACE inhibitors but are not typically changed by calcium channel blockers. Common side effects<\/a> of amlodipine, however, include ankle swelling, flushing, and headache.<\/p>\n

While amlodipine<\/a> is a first-line option<\/a> for hypertension, it is not approved for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and may worsen edema in some patients. Still, its once-daily dosing, good tolerability, and availability in combination pills (such as with valsartan in Exforge) make it a practical substitute or add-on therapy.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>How does lisinopril affect your kidneys?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

5. Toprol XL (metoprolol succinate)<\/h3>\n

Metoprolol succinate is a beta blocker<\/a> that can lower blood pressure and decrease stress on the heart. Unlike lisinopril, it does not affect potassium levels or cause cough, but side effects can include fatigue, dizziness, and low heart rate.<\/p>\n

Beta blockers are not usually the first choice for uncomplicated hypertension. However, metoprolol succinate<\/a> is approved for hypertension, chest pain, and heart failure, which makes it a potential lisinopril alternative for those with coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. Toprol XL\u2019s once-daily dosing is also convenient for many when a beta blocker is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare lisinopril alternatives<\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug name<\/b><\/td>\nDrug class<\/b><\/td>\nAdvantages<\/b><\/td>\nDisadvantages<\/b><\/td>\nSavings options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zestril (lisinopril)<\/b><\/td>\nACE inhibitor<\/td>\nOnce daily dosing<\/td>\nCough and hyperkalemia side effects<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vasotec (enalapril)<\/b><\/td>\nACE inhibitor<\/td>\nIntravenous form available<\/td>\nSame side effects and twice daily dosing<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lotensin (benazepril)<\/b><\/td>\nACE inhibitor<\/td>\nCombination with amlodipine available<\/td>\nSame side effects<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Microzide (HCTZ)<\/b><\/td>\nThiazide diuretic<\/td>\nDoes not cause hyperkalemia<\/td>\nSide effect of low potassium and not indicated after heart attack<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zestoretic (combination lisinopril\/hydrochlorothiazide)<\/b><\/td>\nACE inhibitor with thiazide diurectic<\/td>\nReduction in pill burden by having two medicines in one product<\/td>\nSame side effects<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cozaar (losartan)<\/b><\/td>\nARB<\/td>\nMuch less risk of cough<\/td>\nStill has potential for angioedema and hyperkalemia<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diovan (valsartan)<\/b><\/td>\nARB<\/td>\nMuch less risk of cough<\/td>\nStill has potential for angioedema and hyperkalemia<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Norvasc (amlodipine)<\/b><\/td>\nCalcium channel blocker<\/td>\nDoes not cause cough or hyperkalemia<\/td>\nSide effect of leg swelling and not indicated for heart failure<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cardizem CD (diltiazem extended release)<\/b><\/td>\nCalcium channel blocker<\/td>\nDoes not cause cough or hyperkalemia<\/td>\nSide effect of leg swelling and not indicated for heart failure<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Toprol XL (metoprolol extended release)<\/b><\/td>\nBeta blocker<\/td>\nDoes not cause cough or hyperkalemia and may be helpful for heart disease<\/td>\nNot a first line option for hypertension and side effects of low heart rate and wheezing<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cardura (doxazosin)<\/b><\/td>\nAlpha blocker<\/td>\nDoes not cause cough or hyperkalemia<\/td>\nNot a first line option for hypertension and is not indicated for heart failure<\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Lifestyle measures for controlling blood pressure<\/h2>\n

Lifestyle changes are an important part of blood pressure treatment and may be used alone or with medication, depending on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. Examples include:<\/p>\n