Compare Atenolol vs. Losartan
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate.
Tenormin (atenolol) is good for controlling chest pain and treating a heart attack. It has fewer side effects than other beta blockers. You need to take it on an empty stomach and you can't skip doses.
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3.6/ 5 average rating with 457 reviewsforAtenolol
Lowers blood pressure.
Cozaar (Losartan) is a good blood pressure-lowering medicine that protects kidney function like an ACE inhibitor, but with fewer side effects.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 535 reviewsforLosartan
Upsides
- A first-choice treatment to prevent chest pain (angina).
- A first-choice treatment for heart attack recovery.
- At lower doses, Tenormin (atenolol) has fewer side effects than other beta blockers because it targets the heart and not other parts of the body.
- A first-choice blood pressure treatment for many people.
- Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Similar to ACE inhibitors (like Lisinopril), with fewer side effects like cough and swelling.
- Protects kidney function, which is especially useful for people with diabetes or mild-to-moderate kidney disease.
- Recommended for anyone with heart failure since it lowers the risk of death and further damage to your heart.
Downsides
- You need to take Tenormin (atenolol) on an empty stomach.
- Taking a beta blocker might make you feel more tired or out of breath during exercise or normal daily routines. This gets better for most people, but it might not go away for others.
- Not a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure unless you have heart disease. However, your doctor could add it to other medicines you're already if your blood pressure is still too high.
- You can't miss or skip doses. If you stop Tenormin (atenolol) suddenly, it can cause your blood pressure to go up really quickly, raising your risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Tenormin (atenolol) can hide symptoms of low blood sugar if you're diabetic.
- Requires a yearly blood test to see how the medicine is affecting your body.
- Not safe to use if you're pregnant.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$404.08
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$119.53
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Reviews
457 reviews so far
58%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Tenormin (atenolol)?
Leave a review535 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Cozaar (Losartan)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
17possible side effects
- Tiredness26%
- Dizziness13%
- Cold arms and legs12%
- Depression12%
- Fatigue6%
- Shortness of breath6%
- Low blood pressure on movement changes4%
- Slower heartbeat3%
- Leg Pain3%
- Light-headedness3%
- Decreased energy3%
- Vivid dreams3%
- Diarrhea3%
- Nausea3%
- Wheeziness3%
- Feeling off balance2%
- Drowsiness2%
4possible side effects
- Upper respiratory infection8%
- Dizziness3%
- Back pain2%
- Nasal congestion2%
Risks and risk factors
- Heart attack or increased chest pain
- Suddenly stopping Tenormin (atenolol)
- Heart failure
- Slowing heart rate
- Taking calcium channel blockers
- Increased risks during surgery
- Major surgery requiring anesthesia
- Masked symptoms of low blood sugar
- Diabetes
- Masked symptoms of overactive thyroid
- Increased risk of rebound high blood pressure
- Taking clonidine
- Harm to fetus
- Women of childbearing age
- Liver damage
- Concurrent liver disease
- Heart problems due to high potassium
- Current kidney problems
- Medicine that increase potassium
- Use of salt substitute