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Overview
Lisinopril is not a beta-blocker or a blood thinner but rather an ACE inhibitor. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure and improve the heart’s ability to pump blood.
You can find generic lisinopril under various brand names in the United States, including:
Healthcare professionals commonly prescribe lisinopril to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to manage heart failure. It may also help protect the kidneys in people with diabetes.
Consulting with a healthcare professional if you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking this medication is highly encouraged.
What is the difference between ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers?
ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril, and beta-blockers are two different classes of medications commonly used to treat various cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension.
ACE inhibitors work by blocking the effects of an angiotensin-converting enzyme. By inhibiting ACE, blood vessels are relaxed and widened, leading to decreased blood pressure and improved blood flow.
Beta-blockers work by blocking the beta-adrenergic cell receptors in the heart, kidneys, and fat cells, which helps reduce the effects of stress hormones such as adrenaline. This slows down the heart rate and reduces the force of contractions, which results in lowered blood pressure.
Healthcare professionals may prescribe lisinopril and other ACE inhibitors to treat various conditions, including:
- hypertension
- heart failure
- diabetic nephropathy
- chronic kidney disease
- left ventricular dysfunction
They may prescribe beta-blockers to treat several conditions, including:
- angina (chest pain)
- hypertension
- arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
- certain heart rhythm disorders
Common side effects of ACE inhibitors may include:
- dizziness
- headache
- fatigue (low energy)
- dry cough
- gastrointestinal symptoms
Possible side effects of beta-blockers may include:
- fatigue
- cold hands and feet
- slow heartbeat
- dizziness
ACE inhibitors are commonly long-term treatments. Medical professionals often prescribe them for extended periods to manage blood pressure and improve heart function.
Beta-blockers may be both a short-term and long-term treatment. Professionals may prescribe them for acute or temporary symptoms, such as anxiety-related hypertension or rapid heart rate. They may also prescribe them for long-term management of chronic conditions such as hypertension or heart rhythm disorders.
The choice between ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers depends on several factors, including the specific cardiovascular condition being treated and any other underlying medical conditions.
Common beta-blockers
Common beta-blockers may include:
- atenolol (Tenormin)
- metoprolol (Lopressor)
- propranolol (Inderal)
- bisoprolol (Zebeta)
- carvedilol (Coreg)
Common ACE inhibitors
Commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors may include:
- lisinopril (Prinivil)
- enalapril (Vasotec)
- captopril (Capoten)
- benazepril (Lotensin)
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Can you take ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers together?
Yes, you can take ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers together if your healthcare professional sees the need.
Your healthcare professional may prescribe them together if you live with certain heart conditions, such as heart failure, or if you’ve had a recent heart attack.
Combining these medications may provide complementary benefits in managing blood pressure, heart function, and cardiovascular health. Still, you should do this only under your doctor’s guidance and supervision.
What are the recommended lisinopril alternatives?
If you do not tolerate lisinopril or experience adverse side effects with ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, your healthcare professional may recommend other medications, including:
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): Medications, such as losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), or irbesartan (Avapro), work similarly to ACE inhibitors in managing blood pressure and some people may tolerate them better.
- Calcium channel blockers: Medications, such as amlodipine (Norvasc) or diltiazem (Cardizem), may effectively lower blood pressure and may be suitable alternatives.
- Thiazide diuretics: Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) is a type of diuretic that you can take alone or in combination with other medications to manage hypertension.
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Get free cardSummary
Lisinopril is not a beta-blocker but rather an ACE inhibitor, which works by relaxing blood vessels and reducing blood pressure.
While beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors play essential roles in managing cardiovascular health, they have distinct mechanisms of action, and healthcare professionals prescribe them for different reasons.
You may also take them together in some cases.
Consider talking with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on medication choices and their effects on your health.