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What Is the Difference between Lisinopril and Amlodipine?

Jacquelyn Gilchrist
Jacquelyn Gilchrist

Lisinopril and amlodipine are both medications that may be used to lower high blood pressure, but they are different types of drugs. As a calcium channel blocker, amlodipine relaxes blood vessels and accelerate the flow of blood to the heart. It may also help prevent chest pain, but it cannot treat chest pain that has already started. Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which means that it interferes with chemicals in the body that tighten the blood vessels. This allows for more efficient blood circulation, and the drug may also boost the chances of survival following a heart attack.

Both of these high blood pressure medications are taken orally, usually once daily. The doctor may prescribe a lower dose initially, to be increased gradually as needed. Those taking lisinopril may need to undergo periodic kidney and liver function tests. When they are used to treat high blood pressure, these medications are intended to be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that should include a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Amlodipine is also marketed and sold under the brand name Norvasc.
Amlodipine is also marketed and sold under the brand name Norvasc.

Certain precautions should be followed while using these medications. Both lisinopril and amlodipine may interact with alcohol and cause extremely low blood pressure, which can raise the risk of some side effects. Those taking lisinopril should avoid using potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless otherwise directed by a physician.

Lisinopril and amlodipine may cause some side effects, which should be reported to the prescribing physician if they become severe. They may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and headache. Lisinopril may also cause nausea, vomiting, and depression, while amlodipine may cause fatigue and flushing.

Both lisinopril and amlodipine can cause extreme drowsiness that may interfere with work productivity.
Both lisinopril and amlodipine can cause extreme drowsiness that may interfere with work productivity.

More serious side effects require urgent medical care. These drugs may both cause swelling, feeling faint, and chest pain. Those taking lisinopril should monitor themselves for unusual, rapid weight gain, unusually low amounts of urine output, and flu symptoms. Amlodipine may cause pounding heartbeats, malaise, and a heavy, painful sensation that spreads to the arm or shoulder.

Lisinopril and amlodipine may prevent chest pain, but cannot treat chest pain that has already started.
Lisinopril and amlodipine may prevent chest pain, but cannot treat chest pain that has already started.

Before using lisinopril and amlodipine, patients must disclose their other medical conditions, medications, and supplements. Lisinopril can cause birth defects and should never be used by women who are pregnant, while it is unknown if amlodipine will harm a fetus. It is also unknown whether either of these drugs may pass into breast milk. These drugs may be contraindicated for use by those with kidney or liver disease, diabetes, and a heart valve problem. Other medicines may interact with lisinopril and amlodipine, including beta-blockers, diuretics, and aspirin.

Discussion Comments

fBoyle

I've been on both of these medications and from my personal experience, amlodipine is better. I don't mean that lisinopril isn't effective, it is. Both of these reduced my blood pressure like they were supposed to but I experienced a lot of side effects from lisinopril.

Lisinopril gave me a chronic cough and I was always tired. A few times, I got very dizzy from it as well. I still feel a little tired with amlodipine, but not as much and I don't have the other side effects at all.

discographer

@fify-- These drugs work in different ways but since they both affect blood pressure, they have a commonality and that is they should never be stopped abruptly.

I have a relative who was taking a medication for high blood pressure and forgot to take it one day. He was taken to the emergency room that day because of irregular heartbeat and risk of stroke.

The body gets used to these drugs and if the patient has to stop them, they have to do it slowly and under the supervision of a doctor.

fify

Is withdrawal from one of these drugs easier than the other?

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    • Amlodipine is also marketed and sold under the brand name Norvasc.
      By: Monkey Business
      Amlodipine is also marketed and sold under the brand name Norvasc.
    • Both lisinopril and amlodipine can cause extreme drowsiness that may interfere with work productivity.
      By: oporkka
      Both lisinopril and amlodipine can cause extreme drowsiness that may interfere with work productivity.
    • Lisinopril and amlodipine may prevent chest pain, but cannot treat chest pain that has already started.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Lisinopril and amlodipine may prevent chest pain, but cannot treat chest pain that has already started.
    • Side effects of lisinopril may include weight gain.
      By: cunaplus
      Side effects of lisinopril may include weight gain.
    • Side effects of lisinopril and amlodipine may include headaches.
      By: tab62
      Side effects of lisinopril and amlodipine may include headaches.
    • Neither lisinopril nor amlodipine should be used in conjunction with alcohol.
      By: Focus Pocus LTD
      Neither lisinopril nor amlodipine should be used in conjunction with alcohol.