Lisinopril vs losartan: which is better?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Lisinopril and losartan lower blood pressure and protect kidneys about equally; the meaningful difference is that lisinopril causes a dry cough in 5 to 20% of users and losartan almost never does. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor, losartan an ARB: they hit the same renin-angiotensin system one step apart, which is why efficacy matches but tolerability splits. The cough comes from bradykinin, and the standard fix is switching classes, not suffering through. Rare but serious with ACE inhibitors: angioedema, sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, which warrants emergency care and a permanent class change. Shared rules: both can raise potassium (periodic blood tests are normal), both are unsafe in pregnancy and stop immediately if you conceive, and both are inexpensive generics. Losartan has one small bonus, a mild uric-acid-lowering effect that suits gout-prone patients. If a lisinopril cough is wearing you down, the losartan switch resolves it in most people while keeping identical cardiovascular protection; that is a one-visit conversation, not a treatment failure.
What to do
- Cough on lisinopril? Ask about switching to losartan; it fixes it for most people.
- Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat: emergency care; that is angioedema.
- Expect blood tests: both drugs get potassium and kidney checks.
- Pregnancy rules both out: stop and call your clinician immediately if you conceive.
- Gout history? Mention it; losartan mildly lowers uric acid.
Related questions
- Online doctor blood pressure medication
- What does high blood pressure mean?
- How to lower blood pressure naturally
- How do I take my blood pressure correctly?