Valsartan Vs Lisinopril

Introduction

Valsartan and lisinopril are two drugs used to treat high blood pressure. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that works by blocking a hormone in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten, leading to an increase in blood pressure.

Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor which blocks the formation of a hormone called angiotensin II, resulting in the relaxation of the vessels and a decrease in blood pressure.

Both medications may cause side effects such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and coughing but can be effective treatments for hypertension when taken as directed by your doctor.

About Valsartan and Lisinopril

What Is Valsartan?

Valsartan is a prescription drug used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It belongs to the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) class of drugs, which is known to work by helping the arteries widen and allowing blood to flow more easily.

It can also help reduce the risk of stroke in people with hypertension, although it has not been studied for that indication. People prescribed this medicine should take it exactly as prescribed and keep taking it even if their symptoms improve.

What Conditions Is Valsartan Approved to Treat?

Valsartan is sold under the name of Diovan, and it was approved by the FDA in 2005 [¹]. Since 2005 it has been approved to treat conditions including hypertension and prevention of strokes. Valsartan is available in tablet form and liquid suspension and comes in different doses.

Valsartan is approved to treat the following conditions;

High blood pressure.
Heart failure.
Post-myocardial infarction (commonly known as a heart attack)
Diabetic neuropathy.

How Does Valsartan Work for Hypertension?

Valsartan belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by selectively binding to a specific receptor in the body called angiotensin receptor 1 (AT1).

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is an important system in our body that helps regulate our blood pressure and other important functions. Valsartan affects this system by blocking AT1.

By doing so, it also prevents a substance called angiotensin II from binding to this receptor and causing its harmful effects. Angiotensin II is a natural substance in the body that can cause various negative effects, such as narrowing of blood vessels, increased retention of salt and water, and increased workload on the heart. By blocking its effects, valsartan helps to lower blood pressure, reduce the workload on the heart, decrease the amount of salt and water in the body, and improve the excretion of sodium [²].

Valsartan is a good option for patients who can not tolerate other angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

What Is Lisinopril?

Lisinopril is a medication that is used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions, such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease.

The active ingredient in lisinopril is lisinopril dihydrate. This ACE inhibitor works to decrease hormones in the body that can increase blood pressure and decrease salt and water retention.

While it is very effective in treating the conditions above, certain side effects can occur if taken without proper medical instruction.

What Conditions Is Lisinopril Approved to Treat?

Lisinopril was first approved by the FDA in the United States in 1987 [³]. Lisinopril is available in different forms, including oral tablets and solutions.

It is approved to treat the following conditions;

Heart failure.
Left ventricular dysfunction following a heart attack.
Acute myocardial infarction.
Hypertension.

How Does Lisinopril Work For Hypertension?

Lisinopril helps to prevent certain harmful changes in the body, which can occur when blood pressure is high. When blood pressure is high, it can cause the heart muscle and blood vessels to become thicker and less flexible. This can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes.

Lisinopril works by blocking the action of the chemical ACE. This enzyme is responsible for producing another chemical called angiotensin II, which can cause the harmful changes mentioned earlier. By blocking ACE, lisinopril helps to prevent the harmful effects of angiotensin II.

Lisinopril also increases the levels of another chemical called bradykinin, which helps to widen blood vessels and lower blood pressure. It inhibits the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II [⁴], which also helps to lower blood pressure.

Effectiveness

How Effective Are Lisinopril and Valsartan for Managing Hypertension?

In the study [⁷], researchers compared valsartan and lisinopril for treating high blood pressure in people with kidney problems. The study found that both medicines were equally good at lowering blood pressure and were well tolerated by the patients, meaning they didn't cause any harmful side effects.

The study involved 188 patients, both men and women, who had stable kidney problems and lasted for 13 weeks. The researchers ensured that the patients were randomly assigned to receive either valsartan or lisinopril. The study suggested that either valsartan or lisinopril could be a good option for treating high blood pressure in people with kidney problems.

In another study [⁸], it was found that valsartan and lisinopril proved to be effective in controlling blood pressure in patients with mild to severe hypertension. It was also found that valsartan has been associated with a significantly reduced risk for adverse effects, especially cough, compared to lisinopril.

Dosage Information

How Is Valsartan Administered?

Valsartan is available in different forms, including;

Oral tablets
Capsules
Suspension

Valsartan Dosage Information

The dosage of valsartan can vary depending on the individual's age, the severity of the problem, and other factors.

How Is Lisinopril Administered?

Lisinopril is available in different forms, including;

Suspension.
Tablet.

Lisinopril Dosage Information

The dosage of lisinopril can vary depending on the individual's age, the severity of their problem, and other factors.

Side Effects

Both lisinopril and valsartan have their own side effects. Remember that if you face any of the below-mentioned side effects, immediately talk to your doctor and discontinue your medicine.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of valsartan?

The most common side effects of valsartan include the following;

Flu.
Drowsiness.
Stomach ache.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Backache.
Headache.

Are There Any Potentially Serious Side Effects of Valsartan?

Some of the serious side effects of Valsartan include the following;

Swelling.
Rapid weight gain.
Shortness of breath.
Pounding heartbeats.
Nausea.
Weakness.
Difficulty moving.
Increased or less urination.
Chest pain.
Itchy or tingling feeling.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Lisinopril?

The most common side effects of lisinopril include the following;

Headache.
Dizziness.
Cough.
Pain in chest.

Are There Any Potentially Serious Side Effects of Lisinopril?

Some of the serious side effects of lisinopril include the following;

Unusual bleeding or bruising.
High potassium levels in the blood.
Jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes, can indicate liver problems.
Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Severe dizziness or lightheadedness can lead to fainting.
Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue.
Signs of pancreatitis.

Contraindications and Interactions

Warnings and General Precautions for Lisinopril and Valsartan

Lisinopril and valsartan are medications used to treat hypertension. As with all medications, general warnings and precautions should be observed when taking lisinopril and valsartan. These precautions include avoiding alcohol while taking the drugs, not using diuretics without consulting a healthcare provider, notifying a doctor of any current medications, and being aware of the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Patients should also report any other conditions they may have or have had, such as insulin-related issues such as diabetes or kidney problems, before starting lisinopril and valsartan treatment.

Contraindications and Important Interactions for Lisinopril And Valsartan

Contraindications

Lisinopril

Lisinopril is not recommended for individuals with a history of angioedema related to previous treatment with an ACE inhibitor or who have a history of hereditary or idiopathic angioedema.

It is also not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to lisinopril, and individuals with severe renal impairment.

Valsartan

Valsartan is not recommended in patients who have a known hypersensitivity to valsartan or any of its components.

Valsartan is also not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment, as the drug is primarily metabolized in the liver and may accumulate in these patients, leading to adverse effects.

Drug/Medication Interactions

Lisinopril

Aspir 81 (aspirin)
Januvia (sitagliptin)
Lantus (insulin glargine)
Lasix (furosemide)
Lyrica (pregabalin)
Norco (acetaminophen/hydrocodone)

Valsartan

Aspir 81 (aspirin)
Bystolic (nebivolol)
Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol)
Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
Metoprolol Tartrate (metoprolol)
Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

Food/Beverage/Supplement Interactions

Lisinopril

Lisinopril can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time each day. However, it is best to avoid eating high-potassium foods such as bananas, oranges, spinach, and potatoes, as they can increase the risk of hyperkalemia.

It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking lisinopril as it can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and lightheadedness. It is also recommended to avoid drinking grapefruit juice as it can increase the levels of lisinopril in the blood, which can increase the risk of side effects.

Valsartan

There are no specific food interactions that have been reported with valsartan. However, it is best to avoid alcohol while taking valsartan as it can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and lightheadedness.

Valsartan can interact with supplements such as potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium, as it can increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Valsartan can also interact with herbal supplements such as St. John's Wort, which can decrease the effectiveness of valsartan.

Cost Comparison

How Much Do Lisinopril and Valsartan Cost?

Both medications are covered by insurance, and prices vary by factors, including pharmacy and location. The average price of lisinopril ranges from $16-55.

On the other hand, the generic version of valsartan costs around $3, and the Diovan costs $63.

The Popularity of Lisinopril And Valsartan

The popularity of Lisinopril and Valsartan is unsurprising. Both medications are commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, or hypertension, with or without other medicines.

In addition to treating hypertension, these drugs may also be used to reduce the risk of certain serious complications, such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease.

While there are other alternatives to Lisinopril and Valsartan, they remain two of the most highly recommended treatments for those living with hypertension due to their proven effectiveness and strong side effect profiles.

According to the statistics, there were over 8 million lisinopril prescriptions in 2020, and the drug ranks 4th [⁵]. While there were over 5 million valsartan prescriptions in 2020, and the drug ranks 31st [⁶].

Conclusion

Takeaway

To sum it up, lisinopril and valsartan are two medications that have been approved to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Their effectiveness has been demonstrated in studies, and their side effects are typically minor and manageable. While it is important for those with high blood pressure or congestive heart failure to consult a doctor before taking either medication, the benefits may well be worth the slight risks or mild side effects.

Taking either of these medications with regular checkups may help people manage their conditions effectively, lead a healthier life, and reduce the risk of long-term problems associated with these conditions.

Ultimately, lisinopril and valsartan are potentially helpful drugs when used correctly under medical supervision.