Lisinopril vs Altace

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Introduction

For patients with hypertension or heart failure, certain classes of drugs that alter the way your body regulates blood flow and pressure can be highly beneficial in managing symptoms. Lisinopril and Altace are two such drugs often prescribed for these conditions. Both belong to a class known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which work by blocking a specific enzyme's activity that causes blood vessels to constrict. Lisinopril is one commonly used ACE inhibitor effective at lowering high blood pressure and treating congestive heart failure symptoms. On the other hand, Altace (generic name Ramipril) serves similar purposes but has also been proven helpful in reducing cardiovascular mortality following myocardial infarction in clinical trials.

What is Lisinopril?

Lisinopril (the generic name for Prinivil and Zestril) is a drug from the class of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which marked an essential development upon the first class of medications known as thiazide diuretics. Lisinopril was first approved by the FDA in 1987. It operates primarily by preventing your body from creating a hormone known as angiotensin II. This hormone causes blood vessels to narrow and releases another hormone that can increase the amount of salt and water your body retains. By inhibiting this process, Lisinopril helps reduce high blood pressure, thus helping prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

On the other hand, Altace is also an ACE inhibitor with its active ingredient being Ramipril. Similar to Lisinopril, it works on reducing high blood pressure and treating heart failure but it also reduces some additional risks related to diabetes or coronary artery disease - specifically those involving circulation within both heart and brain. Comparatively speaking though, Lisinopril might have fewer side effects than Altace due to its more selective inhibition mechanism.

What conditions is Lisinopril approved to treat?

Lisinopril is approved for the treatment of various cardiovascular conditions:

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure
Heart failure in patients who have been stabilized after acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Reduction in risk of death or development of heart failure symptoms in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (impaired pumping capacity of the heart's left ventricle) following a recent heart attack.

How does Lisinopril help with these illnesses?

Lisinopril aids in controlling high blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely. It achieves this by inhibiting an enzyme known as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), reducing the production of a hormone called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II has effects that constrict the blood vessels and stimulate the release of another hormone that increases sodium and water retention - both actions increase blood pressure. Therefore, by decreasing angiotensin II, Lisinopril helps lower high blood pressure, supporting patients in managing their condition and stabilizing their cardiovascular health.

Altace works similarly: it is also an ACE inhibitor with its primary use being hypertension management. Both drugs are generally well tolerated but can cause side effects such as dizziness or light-headedness due to reduced blood pressure.

What is Altace?

Altace is a brand name for ramipril, which is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a substance that can tighten blood vessels and cause high blood pressure. Ramipril was first approved by the FDA in 1991. As ramipril does not directly affect levels of adrenaline or noradrenaline, it has a different side-effect profile than beta-blockers such as lisinopril, notably in that it does not slow heart rate and is less likely to cause fatigue and sexual dysfunction (common side effects of beta-blockers). The effects on angiotensin II concentrations can be beneficial for patients who have hypertension or congestive heart failure, especially those who do not respond well to "typical" beta-blocker drugs such as lisinopril.

What conditions is Altace approved to treat?

Altace holds FDA approval for the treatment of:

Hypertension, or high blood pressure
Heart failure following a heart attack It is also widely used to reduce the chances of stroke, heart attacks, and kidney problems in certain individuals.

How does Altace help with these illnesses?

Altace, generically known as ramipril, acts on an enzyme in the body that is involved in producing a compound that narrows blood vessels and releases hormones like aldosterone. This action triggers fluid retention by the kidneys which can cause high blood pressure and heart failure. By inhibiting this enzyme, Altace helps to relax and widen blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. It's often prescribed when a patient hasn't responded well to other angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE) inhibitors such as Lisinopril or may be combined with them under medical supervision. Just like norepinephrine plays crucial roles in various processes within our bodies, these ACE inhibitors have key functions too - regulating not 'fight or flight' responses but rather our cardiovascular health.

How effective are both Lisinopril and Altace?

Lisinopril and ramipril (Altace) are both angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), used primarily for hypertension and heart disease management. They were approved by the FDA in 1987 and 1991 respectively, making their history of clinical use quite established. Both drugs work on the renin-angiotensin system to reduce blood pressure, meaning they may often be prescribed interchangeably or under similar circumstances.

The effectiveness of lisinopril and ramipril was directly compared in a double-blind clinical trial in 2008; both drugs showed comparable efficacy in managing high blood pressure with promising safety profiles. In this study, there were no notable differences between patients receiving lisinopril or those receiving ramipril regarding various metrics used to measure efficacy at controlling hypertension.

A meta-analysis conducted in 2013 demonstrated that lisinopril is effective from the first day of treatment, has a favorable side effect profile compared to many other antihypertensive medications, and is well-tolerated even among elderly populations. The same study reports that lisinopril has become one of most widely-prescribed ACE inhibitors globally due its proven effectiveness at reducing hypertension-related morbidity and mortality rates.

Meanwhile, a review carried out in 2015 indicated that while ramipril seems more effective than placebo controls for treating hypertension, it appears equivalent to other common ACE-inhibitors like lisinopril when directly compared. Ramipil's main advantage lies within its evidence-based reduction of cardiovascular complications among high-risk patient groups such as those with diabetes mellitus or previous myocardial infarction events.

Despite these similarities though, some patients might respond better or experience fewer side effects with one drug over another due to individual genetic variability affecting metabolism and response mechanisms towards each medication.

abstract image of a researcher studying a bottle of drug.

At what dose is Lisinopril typically prescribed?

Oral dosages of Lisinopril range from 10-40 mg/day, but studies have indicated that a starting dose of 10 mg/day is sufficient for treating hypertension in most adults. For heart failure, the initial dosage might be as low as 5 mg/day. In either case, the dosage can be adjusted depending on the individual's response to treatment. The maximum dosage that should not exceed in any case is 80 mg per day.

On the other hand, Altace (ramipril) dosages typically start at 2.5–5mg once daily for hypertension and post-heart attack patients may start with an even lower dose of 1.25mg once daily. The doctor may adjust these doses over time based on patient response up to a maximum of 20mg per day.

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At what dose is Altace typically prescribed?

Altace treatment typically begins with a dosage of 2.5 mg/day for heart failure and post-heart attack patients, and 10 mg/day for those with high blood pressure. The dose can then be adjusted based on the response to treatment, up to 40 mg per day divided into two doses that are spaced about 12 hours apart. For patients who exhibit no satisfactory response at an initial dosage or after adjusting the dosage, further increments may be considered by their health care provider. However, any adjustments should always respect a maximum daily limit of 40 mg of Altace.

What are the most common side effects for Lisinopril?

The potential side effects of Lisinopril and Altace (Ramipril) can include:

Dizziness or lightheadedness due to a drop in blood pressure
Headache
Persistent dry cough
Fatigue and weakness, particularly at the start of treatment
Nausea or diarrhea
Rash or itching, potentially indicating an allergic response
Metallic or salty taste
Chest pain -A decrease in sexual ability is rare but could occur. If you notice this effect, contact your doctor. -Elevated potassium levels which may cause muscle weakness, slow heart rate. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen over time, it's important to seek medical advice promptly.

abstract image of a patient experiencing side effect

Are there any potential serious side effects for Lisinopril?

While both Lisinopril and Altace are effective ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure, they may have different side effects. Some of these include:

Signs of allergic reactions: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat
Lightheadedness as if you might pass out;
Fever, sore throat
Change in the amount or color of your urine (may indicate kidney problems);
High potassium symptoms - slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness
Low white blood cell counts - sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills

Additionally for Lisinopril:

Swelling: This can happen in the hands and lower legs.
Chest pain

And for Altace:

Rapid weight gain
Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)

If any such conditions occur after taking these medicines one must consult a doctor immediately.

What are the most common side effects for Altace?

While taking Altace, individuals may experience several side effects such as:

Dry cough
Reduced sense of taste or loss of appetite
Dizziness and lightheadedness due to low blood pressure
Headaches
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Mild skin itching or rash
Blurred vision
Sleep disturbances including insomnia
In rare cases, some people also report experiencing mood changes, palpitations (fast heartbeat), confusion and muscle cramps. It is important for patients on Altace to have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor these potential side effects.

Are there any potential serious side effects for Altace?

Altace, like any medication, can come with a suite of potential side effects. Some of these can be severe and require immediate medical attention. Here are some signs that you should look out for:

Indications of an allergic reaction: hives or itching; fever; swollen glands or swelling in your face or throat; difficulty breathing
Signs pointing to liver problems such as yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting
Symptoms suggesting high potassium levels including muscle weakness and slow/irregular heartbeat
Alterations in the amount of urine
Severe dizziness or fainting spells
Unusual changes in mood or behavior such as confusion

If you observe any of these symptoms after taking Altace, it is critical that you seek immediate medical help.

Contraindications for Lisinopril and Altace?

Both Lisinopril and Altace, along with most other blood pressure medications, may cause certain side effects like dizziness or lightheadedness. If you notice these symptoms worsening, please seek immediate medical attention.

Neither Lisinopril nor Altace should be taken if you are taking, or have been taking medication for diabetes, especially aliskiren. Always tell your physician which medications you are currently on; drugs like Aliskiren will require a period of at least 3 days to clear from the system to prevent dangerous interactions with Lisinopril and Altace.

These two medications also should not be used during pregnancy as they can harm the unborn baby. If you become pregnant while using these drugs inform your doctor right away.

Lisinopril and Altace can increase levels of potassium in your body so avoid consuming too much potassium through dietary sources or supplements without first consulting your healthcare provider.

How much do Lisinopril and Altace cost?

For the brand name versions of these drugs:

The cost for 30 tablets of Lisinopril (20 mg) averages around $100, which works out to approximately $3.33 per day.
The price for 30 capsules of Altace (5 mg) is about $270, working out to roughly $9 per day.

Thus, if you are in the higher dosage range for Lisinopril (i.e., 40 mg/day), then brand-name Altace could be less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. Remember that cost should not be your primary consideration when deciding which drug is best suited for you.

When it comes to their generic counterparts:

Generic lisinopril is available in packs starting from 30 tablets and above with costs ranging between $0.10 and $0.50 per day depending on whether you're taking a typical dose of 10mg/day or up to a maximum dose of 40mg/day.
Ramipril, the generic version of Altace, starts at prices as low as about $.50/day for a common daily dose size (10 mg). However, this can increase substantially depending on your specific dosage needs and quantity purchased upfront.

Remember that these are approximate costs and actual prices may vary based upon location, pharmacy chosen, insurance coverage among other factors.

Popularity of Lisinopril and Altace

Lisinopril, both in its generic form and under brand names such as Zestril and Prinivil, was estimated to have been prescribed to about 87.4 million people in the US in 2020. Lisinopril accounted for just over 14% of antihypertensive prescriptions in the US. It is classified as an ACE inhibitor (Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme inhibitor) which is a popular class of blood pressure medications due to their effectiveness and relatively few side effects for most users.

Ramipril, including brand versions such as Altace, was prescribed to approximately 8.4 million people in the USA during that same year. In terms of ACE inhibitors specifically within the US market, ramipril accounts for around 1% of prescriptions within this drug class; however it does make up a larger proportion when considering overall antihypertensive treatments at just under 2%. The prevalence of ramipril has remained steady over recent years with minor fluctuations based on changes within medical guidelines or new research findings.

Conclusion

Both Lisinopril and Altace (ramipril) have long-standing records of usage in patients with high blood pressure, heart failure and diabetes-related kidney problems. They are both backed by numerous clinical studies indicating that they are effective in reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Both drugs belong to a class called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors which work by relaxing blood vessels so that blood flows more smoothly.

Lisinopril is generally considered as a first-line treatment for hypertension due to its proven efficacy and safety profile, whereas Altace has been shown to be particularly beneficial in providing cardiovascular protection, hence it may often be prescribed post-heart attack or for those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Both Lisinopril and Altace are available in generic form which provides significant cost savings especially for patients who must pay out of pocket. The onset of action is typically within an hour after oral administration but the full effect on blood pressure may not occur until 2-4 weeks into therapy.

The side effect profile is similar between the two drugs; common side effects include cough, dizziness upon standing up suddenly, low blood pressure, rash and renal impairment. However, these symptoms usually subside as your body gets used to the medication. For both drugs, it’s important that patients monitor their blood pressure regularly when starting treatment or adjusting dosage levels.